The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

February 12th is the Huachao Festival again, coinciding with Daiyu’s birthday.

The servants of Rongguo Mansion have been busy since early morning. But today's busy work is just to do the final finishing work.

As early as two days ago, Mistress Lian in the mansion had issued an order, and the stewards had already started busy preparations that day.

The banquet was held in Rongqing Hall, so that it would be more convenient for Mrs. Jia and she would have to walk less. Secondly, after all, Lin Daiyu was a junior living as a guest, and Rongxi Hall was used by Jia Zheng to entertain foreign guests. Wang Xifeng would naturally not make such a mistake.

But just a Rongqing Hall, hosting a banquet for a granddaughter and junior, is quite a scene.

It's a pity that the Jia family did not invite Wei Qijun and Wei Shu to hand over handkerchiefs to Daiyu in the end. The other party specially sent a letter and prepared two generous gifts to explain the difficulty of their elders being infected with the cold.

Mrs. Jia didn't care, she just thought it would be good to have this friendship.

At this time, it was still early for the dinner. Lin Daiyu sat in front of the window, and Jia Min personally dressed her daughter. It was rare for the two mother and daughter to be together in one place, and they were surrounded by their own servants, so they couldn't help but start chatting.

What did they say in the letter? Jia Min saw that her daughter was a little unhappy and asked directly.

My sisters said that an elder in the family was infected with the cold, and they were afraid that the cause of the disease would be passed on to me. They only made an appointment three days later and asked me to visit them as a guest. Daiyu held her chin in her hands. She grew up under the love and care of her parents and was intelligent. There is a certain innocence in his character.

Since they can write you letters and prepare gifts, they must be thinking about you. Why are you sad? Jiamin smiled and compared the two pieces of jewelry. She always had a good eye, so she finally picked out a gold and jade hair ornament and inserted it into Daiyu's bun.

It's just because I know they have me in their hearts that my daughter is sad that they can't stay with me. Daiyu didn't dare to wander around, so she just said briefly. In fact, if she thought about it carefully now, she could figure out why the two sisters from the Wei family couldn't come.

Jia Min smiled again. She liked Yu'er's ignorant appearance, and she thought her child was a bit cute. You, why don't you wait three days and ask them directly when you see them? Then you'll know?

Can I ask this directly? Lin Daiyu blinked and looked at her mother behind her through the mirror in front of her. Jia Min also dressed up for her daughter's banquet today, which really makes people want to see it.

Since we are good friends, you might as well say some things directly. It is better than holding it in your stomach and making people think about it again and again, which makes people upset. Jia Min nodded her daughter's forehead and actually felt that this child also had moments of insanity.

Is this called being clever but being misled by cleverness?

She laughed secretly and said softly, Okay, stand up and let me see.

Jia Min pulled Daiyu up and saw that her baby girl was radiant today, and her appearance became even more stunning as she spread out more and more. Goose-yellow clothes are worn on Daiyu, who has fair skin. The curly bangs are combed in front of the forehead, which makes people love and pity her.

Noticing that her mother was looking at it dizzyingly, Daiyu playfully turned around in a circle and asked Jia Min, Zijuan and other servants, Does it look good?

You know how to say weird things, but you can't do that when you go out. Jia Min felt helpless towards this precious daughter.

It's beautiful. Our young lady is naturally the most beautiful.

Okay, Sister Zijuan, it's because I'm from the Lin family that you praise me like this.

Hahaha, don't dare. Zijuan already knew Daiyu's temperament and knew that the other party was not someone who couldn't take a joke, so she responded with a smile, It's just that if it weren't for Madam, I wouldn't have met such a nice lady. .”

When he said this, even Jia Min laughed out loud, feeling that this girl was very smart. With such a person by her side, Daiyu felt really relieved.

A few people laughed and joked for a while, and then, escorted by the maid, they walked all the way to Rongqing Hall. When they arrived at the hall, before Mrs. Jia, who was sitting in the middle, could say anything, Sanchun had already gathered around her, calling her sister, sister non-stop, and occasionally praising Daiyu's dress today.

Daiyu had some fun with them, and then followed Jia Min to pay respects to her ancestors. Later, Wang Xifeng, Baochai, Baoyu and other relatives came to see her. After everything was done, she and Jia Min sat on Mrs. Jia's soft couch.

Jia Baoyu, who originally thought he could get a seat, only glanced at Lin Daiyu blankly, and then moved closer to Sanchun's table.

There is nothing we can do about it. Although he is a biological grandson, Jia Min is also a biological daughter! Besides, the old lady and Jia Min only see each other for a month in total. No matter how much the old lady loves her precious grandson, she is still a little inferior to her daughter and granddaughter who are about to be separated.

Today is a banquet for the younger generation. Except for Mrs. Jia and Jia Min, naturally there will be no other elders in the room. People like Mrs. Xing, Mrs. Wang, Aunt Xue and others only asked people to bring gifts, and also said that they would worship Buddha today and would not be vegetarians.

Mrs. Jia also followed their wishes and happily took her children and grandchildren to listen to the theater and watch the fun. Today's song was ordered by Daiyu herself, and it's called Spring and Autumn Order.

This play is also interesting. It tells the story of a scholar surnamed Zhou in Henan, who, together with his classmate and friend, used their talents and youthful courage to save the victims, became the top scholar in high school, and finally became the prime minister.

The plot is ups and downs and the music style is grand. The words and sentences in it are also very interesting. There is a saying: Spring and autumn come, wandering people look up, and the smoke rises outside the pass. I can walk through thousands of ravines with my clear wind, courage and courage. This song was even more applauded by the whole house. (Note 1)

No matter what kind of audience they are, they always yearn for stories about protecting the country and turning the tide.

Mrs. Jia, Daiyu, and Tanchun listened most attentively. When Mrs. Jia was young, there was still a martial culture among the nobles, which she could easily understand. Daiyu ordered the music herself, so there is no need to say more. Tanchun alone has beautiful eyes, which really surprises others.

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The excitement outside was still going on, but Aunt Xue took advantage of Baochai's absence to come to Mrs. Wang's house as a guest.

There are not many opportunities for the two sisters to meet in Jia Mansion. Aunt Xue is not like Jia Min, who can live directly in Rongguo Mansion. Their family lives in another courtyard, and it is inconvenient to move around on weekdays. That is, daughter Baochai can have more freedom by virtue of her status as a junior.

Both of them were very happy to meet today. Mrs. Wang's room is among the three wing rooms on the east side of Rongxi Hall. This room is also interesting. As soon as Aunt Xue came in, she saw only half-old blue satin backrest pillows and other furnishings. On the wooden chair placed next to the kang, there was still a half-old elastic ink chair bag.

Looking around, every object turned out to be old and not new. Aunt Xue saw it and was secretly amazed in her heart. She knew that her good brother-in-law would rarely rest here.

Otherwise, why would a family like Jia's family not exchange it without losing it? It's just to show off their face. Aunt Xue lamented in her heart for this biological sister. Compared with this, it was more satisfactory for her to marry into the Xue family.

Sister, you have made my sister think so hard for so many years.

Since my sister is here as a guest, it is natural that Mrs. Wang, the host, cannot hold the beads and continue to do some social work. Putting the prayer beads in her hand on the table, Mrs. Wang stood up and welcomed her sister to sit down on the kang table.

The two of them had not seen each other for many years after they got married. Since there was no one else around now and they had sent servants to guard the door, they naturally spoke more freely.

First, we started talking about old things from childhood, and then gradually moved on to the old relationship between the two families. Talking about irrelevant topics, he talked about the strange behavior of Baoyu and Xiren on the way back from Ningguo Mansion a few days ago.

All the family members were here at that time. Aunt Xue was used to being the master of the Xue family. She only thought about face issues when thinking about things. She was also a little too direct when talking about other people's family affairs. If you want me to tell my sister, I might as well invite her to the house. In the sedan chair, I simply gave her a place. Why wait for the old lady to come forward and end up without any reason?

It's okay if she doesn't say it, but saying this to her own sister really hurts Mrs. Wang. She immediately said angrily: That shameless girl just got her ambition and wants to make it known to everyone. She is just trying to deceive my child into being ignorant. I don't know what means were used to lure such a good man into bed.

Looking at the way she is walking on the road, do you think she is really unwell? Why don't you think about whether she is walking to show us? Mrs. Wang slammed the table angrily, obviously angry.

No way. Aunt Xue was shocked at first. Although she had some scheming skills, she was far inferior to Mrs. Wang's skills. When she was at Xue's house, Xue Ai would often discuss outside matters with her, and he treated her with the utmost respect.

Under such circumstances, one cannot help but be blind to the secret methods behind the house. Even if I developed seven points of skills in my parents' family, I can only remember five points now.

Mrs. Wang is different. Since she married into the Jia family, only she can understand the bitterness and suffering. She said to Aunt Xue: Baoyu's pure and intelligent nature was wasted in the hands of these foxy people.

As long as I am alive, I cannot let her in. On the contrary, it will ruin Baoyu's reputation, and I will not be able to marry the daughter of an innocent family in the future. Mrs. Wang made the final decision and concluded Baoyu's matter.

This, this... this is my sister's family matter after all. As a biological sister, Aunt Xue didn't say much. She only advised: If it really doesn't work, just find a mistake and sell it. Why did my sister get angry and hurt herself?

Do you think I don't want to? She was given Baoyu by her ancestors, and she is used to putting on airs. She likes to pretend to be a good and virtuous person. When Mrs. Wang said this, her anger disappeared again, and she wrote lightly , This kind of person is the most greedy at heart and is easy to control. Sooner or later I have to make her suffer.

Aunt Xue couldn't help but tremble when she heard this. She quickly lowered her head, not daring to look at her sister, and stared at the beads on the table in a daze.

After many years of reunion, she was actually a little unfamiliar with her sister.

The two chatted for a while before Aunt Xue said goodbye to her sister in a hurry.

At this time, outside the house, the sun was setting. Several lanterns were hung high on the verandah, and a maid walked in front of her holding a lantern.

She walked along the path for a moment, and suddenly saw bright lights in the distance. Jackdaws roost in the shadows, and bits of light are hidden behind the shadows. She knew that that place was Lin Daiyu's birthday party.

She stared at it for a moment, and then thought of her sister's words, 'That shameless girl just got her ambition, and she just wants to make it known to everyone'. Suddenly feeling even more frightened, he simply turned around and walked quickly outside the house.

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In the Rongqing Hall, the dinner party was already halfway through, the music outside was still being sung, and the food was being placed on the table one by one.

As today's birthday girl, Lin Daiyu accepted everyone's congratulations and it was time for the banquet to begin.

This meal really shocked Daiyu. The dinner party in Rongguo Mansion can be described as more than just luxurious. There are more than a dozen dishes of side dishes alone. After everyone has used their chopsticks a few times, those who can't finish the food will be passed around. Leave it to the servants outside to enjoy after they finish their work.

The main dishes also have their own characteristics. One of them is a dish that is full of gold and jade. Wang Xifeng ordered the cook to prepare it specially for Daiyu.

The servant who announced the name of the dish deliberately stood not far away and explained the exquisite craftsmanship of this dish to everyone in the hall. Tender chicken soup, simmered with good ham and jade mushrooms to a jade color.

For Luzon blue shark fin, only the upper half of the original root is taken, without lower scales. Use elbow, chicken broth, fresh bamboo shoots, and rock sugar to simmer for two days until golden. Add sea cucumbers to the broth and roll them three times. Chicken juice, gravy, and shrimp juice are burned until they turn maroon red.

Add three coins of Xishi tongue, seven turtle eggs, and ten ginkgo biloba. Then add shredded bamboo shoot tendons, crucian carp belly, shiitake mushrooms, fungus, and pheasant slices. Bake a few rolls, add glaze gravy, add oil and hang it upside down, take it out of the pot, and put it on a gold pot with a golden dragon lid. This is the Golden Jade Mantang.

As soon as he said this, everyone clapped and applauded as if they were listening to a play. Isn’t that what the wealthy life of bells and dishes is like? The servant who announced the name of the dish explained this to the young master, so naturally he was not worried about revealing his craftsmanship.

These high-ranking people just want to listen and have a taste. Otherwise, how can we call a young man or a young lady who has no fingers in the spring water?

Daiyu was dumbfounded when she heard it, and she just said: There are so many delicacies from mountains and seas, but we only make this little.

That's not true, miss. The servant bowed in reply.

What about the remaining ingredients? Lin Daiyu couldn't help but ask.

It's all lost. The servant said matter-of-factly.

Lin Daiyu was shocked when she heard this. She felt that this was not unexpected, but she felt guilty. Although it happened last year and only a few months have passed, many of the refugees who fled outside Yangzhou were still farmers outside the capital.

Thinking of them and looking at the food in front of her, she couldn't even whet her appetite at all. But then he thought of the laughing people around him, all of them waiting in high spirits for him to use his chopsticks.

Lin Daiyu had no choice but to bite the bullet, suppress the nausea in her heart, and move her chopsticks.

Jia Baoyu, who had been paying attention to her, saw this and asked kindly: Sister, you don't think it tastes good? If you don't like it, let the chef bring something more interesting.

Seeing that he spoke so naturally, Lin Daiyu couldn't find the words to answer.

Jia Min, who knows her daughter Mo Ruomu, raised her eyebrows and said to everyone: She has so little to eat at home. It doesn't matter, everyone can do as they please.

When Wang Xifeng heard this, she thought that Sister Lin was trying to imitate Xizi. Without thinking too much, he just changed the topic and ordered a few more delicious dishes.

Lin Daiyu also forced a smile and said: I don't eat much at home, but I make everyone worry.

Mrs. Jia was very reluctant to hear this. She took her granddaughter's hand and said, It's okay to stay at home for a few more days and let our ancestors take good care of your health. After saying that, she took her bowl of untouched rouge rice. , pushed it in front of Lin Daiyu, and said with great distress, Look at how thin you are...

What happened after that was still very lively. But Lin Daiyu suddenly felt that everything was in a mess again. It wasn't until the banquet was over that he returned to the house worriedly.

Jia Min wanted to say something, but didn't know what to say. The affairs of the Jia family belong to the Jia family after all. Although she had the character Jia, the name on her grave after her death was still Lin Jia.

Otherwise, why would she bother to buy a house in the capital?

For some families’ daughters, it’s troublesome even to return home after they get married.

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Three days later, Lin Daiyu, who was in a dull mood, took Xueyan out early to relax. Zijuan was kept in the house by Daiyu to guard the boudoir because of her recent performance of being smart and capable.

They are going to the Wei family to visit Wei Qijun and Wei Shu today. Jia Min also wanted to let her child walk around outside. In addition to letting her grandma accompany her, she also asked her daughter to play more at Wei's house and have a meal before coming back.

Speaking of the Wei family's residence in the capital, it is also interesting. Wei Yinghong's ancestors did not have a capable person, and their family had little land in the capital.

When he was the top pick in high school, Wei Yinghong lived by renting a house. Now that he has been promoted to Zuo Shilang, the house is still rented.

However, Wei Yinghong's situation is considered normal among Beijing officials. Most people work hard all their lives, but it is difficult to buy a house in the capital.

Land in the capital is expensive, and it is extremely difficult to buy a good house. Although Lin Daiyu entered the ordinary second-term hospital, she was still in a good mood. Accompanied by Wei Qijun, we had a great time.

The three sisters had just separated in Yangzhou, and today they were reunited in the capital. They were all very happy. Along the way, they kept chatting. After entering the boudoir, before the guests could sit down, Wei Qijun apologized for what happened a few days ago.

Good sister, can you tell me now why you can't come? Lin Daiyu sat on the chair and inquired curiously.

Wei Qijun smiled bitterly, When we were in Yangzhou, it was nothing. But it was different when we arrived in the capital. My father said that it is not good to have too much contact with noble military officers to avoid being criticized by the imperial censor.

Lin Daiyu nodded, she could understand this now. She knew that it was a bit reckless to ask her ancestor to send the invitation for her.

Before she could speak, Wei Qijun continued: What's more, there are bad rumors in the capital.

What are the three no-nos? Hearing this, Lin Daiyu was very curious. But Wei Qijun hesitated for a long time and was too embarrassed to say it.

Wei Shu, who was still pouring tea on the side, finally said bluntly: Hey, we and Sister Lin are like sisters, there is nothing we can't say. It's just that we can't go to the monk's nunnery. The second is that we can't go to the homes of distinguished military commanders, and the third is that Rong, I can’t go to Ning Er Mansion.”

Lin Daiyu was even more surprised when she saw the sheets from Rongguo Mansion being taken out. After asking for more information, Wei Qijun and Wei Shu could only say that this is what the elders told them.

She was at a loss as to what to do, and she didn't understand the mystery.

Note 1: The prototype is taken from Yinlin's Qianqiu Ling, hahahaha, if you think it sounds good, use it. You can also listen to it.

Thank you book friends for voting. You really gave me a big surprise today.