A Crossover of Film and Television: Miao Miao's Life Transmigration

Chapter 174 Lin Daiyu's younger brother in Dream of the Red Chamber 7

Taking exams for three consecutive days is a huge physical challenge for many people. Three candidates in the examination hall fainted due to fever. No wonder Jia Zhu from Rongguo Mansion became weak after passing the imperial examination.

Lin Jiyu wrote with divine inspiration, spending the night writing on his writing board, but many other candidates also wrote until very late.

This continued for three days. When the examiners came to collect the exam papers, Lin Jiyu followed the crowd out of the examination room and saw Lin Li's figure.

Lin Li helped Lin Jiyu into the carriage and quietly drove off.

After returning to the old house, Lin Jiyu quickly washed up and immediately went to bed to catch up on sleep. While resting in the examination room, she could often hear noises, indicating that she was not getting enough rest.

Lin Jiyu slept for six hours. When she woke up, Zhi Qiu immediately found out and arranged for some food to be served, all of which were easy to digest.

"Young Master, how are you feeling?" Zhi Qiu asked after Lin Jiyu finished his meal quietly.

"I'm feeling great. Let's pack up and head back to Yangzhou tomorrow," Lin Jiyu said after a moment's thought.

"Young Master, aren't you waiting for the results of the academy exam?" Zhi Qiu asked.

"We can't wait any longer. Just have one person wait here. Let's go back to Yangzhou first. After all, we've been staying at the Lin family's old residence for too long," Lin Jiyu replied.

"Yes, this servant will go pack the things right away."

Lin Jiyu took a carriage back to Yangzhou the next day. After traveling for five or six days, he finally arrived at the Lin residence.

“Little brother, you’re finally back! You’ve been gone for almost four months. I was so worried about you.”

As soon as Lin Jiyu returned to the Lin residence, she went to pay her respects to her sister. Her father was still at the government office. He was about to be transferred back to the capital and needed to hand over his work to the government office. A month ago, the new emperor's men arrived in Yangzhou to take over her father's work.

"Pah, pah, pah, you can't say anything about death, it's bad luck. My brother is back safely, isn't he?" Lin Jiyu teased.

"Stop being so glib. How are you feeling? I've heard that the imperial examinations are very taxing on the body," Lin Daiyu asked with concern.

"Don't worry, sister. I saw a doctor after the exam. I'm just a little tired, but it's nothing serious."

"Then you should go and rest. You just got back and haven't had a chance to rest yet."

Under Lin Daiyu's watchful eye, Lin Jiyu quickly returned to Bailin Courtyard. After Lin Ruhai returned to the mansion, Lin Jiyu first went to pay her respects to Lin Ruhai. Lin Ruhai asked Lin Jiyu about the exam questions and learned that she had guessed the questions correctly, so he was no longer worried. In a few days, when the results of the academy exam were released, the servants of the Lin family would bring Lin Jiyu's results back.

"Get some rest. Father's work is almost finished. We'll go back to the capital together then," Lin Ruhai said.

"Yes, father."

Five or six days later, news came from the servants of the old house in Suzhou that Lin Jiyu had won first place in the imperial examination. Lin Jiyu was now a Xiucai (a successful candidate in the county-level imperial examinations) at the age of twelve, which could be considered a child prodigy.

Lin Daiyu was very thoughtful. She sent a letter to the Rongguo Mansion. Some time ago, the Rongguo Mansion told them that the matriarch of the Ningguo Mansion next door, Rong Da Nainai, had passed away. Now that the funeral was over, she told them that her younger brother had passed the imperial examination and become a Xiucai (a successful candidate in the lowest level of the imperial examinations). This would make the old lady happier.

Lin Jiyu and Lin Daiyu stayed in Yangzhou with Lin Ruhai for another two months before Lin Ruhai finally handed over all his work. Lin Ruhai was transferred to the capital, but the new emperor had not yet said what position he would be given.

Two months later, Lin Daiyu, as the only woman in the Lin family, was naturally entrusted with managing the inner quarters of the Lin mansion. Perhaps because she had learned from Jia Min for several years, she managed the affairs quite well.

After Lin Jiyu returned from the exam, she arranged the marriage between Shuangyue and Chunzhu. Shuangyue was already engaged.

Chunzhu is someone her family hopes will get married soon, somewhat like Xiren, a servant in the Rongguo Mansion. Xiren's family was poor when she was young, but later they became rich and wanted to redeem her. The difference is that Xiren wanted to become Jia Baoyu's concubine, while Chunzhu wanted to live an ordinary life.

Lin Jiyu, being a philanthropist, gave them their indentures and even provided them with some dowry, allowing them to marry with peace of mind.

Because they would be returning to the capital after July, Shuangyue and Chunzhu would be getting married in June, and Lin Jiyu was already grown up and didn't need too many maids, so his father assigned him two servants, Anfu and Changlei.

Lin Jiyu didn't seem to mind. He put Zhi Qiu and Dong Xue in charge of his food and lodging, and promoted Haitang and Liuxu from second-class maids to first-class maids.

The Lin Mansion in Yangzhou was an official residence bestowed by the Emperor. After Lin Ruhai was transferred, the Lin Mansion in Yangzhou ceased to exist. Those servants who did not like going to the capital were arranged by Lin Ruhai to return to their old residence in Suzhou.

In the blink of an eye, the three members of the Lin family boarded the official ship back to the capital. Lin Ruhai looked relaxed. For more than ten years in Yangzhou, he had lived in fear and anxiety, constantly worrying about the complex relationships among the salt merchants in Yangzhou.

Lin Daiyu didn't feel anything special. Last time she went to the capital, her younger brother accompanied her. This time, her father and brother returned to the capital together. She felt like the happiest person.

Lin Jiyu felt a bit emotional. In the past, Lin Daiyu had returned to Yangzhou to attend Lin Ruhai's funeral. After returning to the capital, she would be all alone. The only person who could give her a sense of security was Jia Baoyu.

Now that he has changed the fate of Lin Ruhai and Lin Daiyu, he is still a little excited.

After drifting on the water for more than a month, we finally arrived at the dock in the capital, where Steward Zhang, the steward of the capital, was already waiting.

"This old servant greets the master, young master, and young lady."

Lin Ruhai nodded. He hadn't traveled far in a long time and had been floating on the water for a month. He was very tired. After returning to the Lin family home and changing his clothes, he needed to meet the Emperor.

After many years, Lin Ruhai returned to the Lin family again. It was just him and Min'er. Min'er has passed away now, but he has a son and a daughter with him, so he has no regrets in this life.

Lin Ruhai went to the palace, so Lin Jiyu had nothing to do, while Lin Daiyu directed the servants to move things.

Lin Daiyu sat on the chair with a melancholy expression, while Zijuan quietly massaged her to relieve her fatigue.

"Miss, you must be tired these past few days," Wang Mama teased. Now that the master has also returned to the capital, she might as well spend the rest of her life there.

“Granny, you don’t know, I always thought that managing a household was simple, but I never expected it to be so complicated. You have to pay attention to everything, inside and out,” Lin Daiyu said.

"Young lady, now that you're back in the capital, should you send a message to the Rongguo Mansion?" Bai Qing asked.

“Yes, I had forgotten if you hadn’t mentioned it. Bai Qing, could you go to the Rongguo Mansion later and bring these gifts to the sisters?” Lin Daiyu stood up, walked to a box, and opened it.

"This is for the old lady, a glass headband; this is for Madam Xing, a jade and gold bracelet; and this is for Madam Wang, a coral eighteen-bead bracelet..."

Lin Daiyu gave instructions one by one, leaving no one behind, not even the illegitimate sons of the Rongguo Mansion.

"When you get to the Rongguo Mansion, if the old lady asks you anything, just answer her and say that we'll visit her together after Father finishes his business," Lin Daiyu said, pulling Bai Qing along.

"Yes, Miss, don't worry, I understand," Bai Qing said, bowing.

For some reason, he called Zijuan over.

"Zijuan, you go to the Rongguo Mansion with Bai Qing."

Zijuan was touched. The young lady was so kind. After all, Zijuan had entered the Rongguo Mansion at a young age, and all her friendships and relationships were with the Rongguo Mansion. The young lady's request for her to return to the Rongguo Mansion was out of concern for her.

"Oh, thank you, young lady."

Bai Qing, accompanied by Zijuan and several maids and servants, carrying the gifts Lin Daiyu had prepared for the Rongguo Mansion's mistress, arrived at the Rongguo Mansion's gate.

Zijuan took the initiative to approach them and explained their origins. The gatekeeper dared not stop them and allowed them to enter through the west corner gate.

Upon entering the Rongguo Mansion, they encountered some maids who approached Zijuan and asked her how she got back to the Rongguo Mansion.

Upon receiving Zijuan's message, some of the young maids rushed to Rongqing Hall to inform the old lady.

"Grandma, grandma."

The maidservant at the door lifted the curtain, and the maidservant ran into the inner courtyard.

"Who is making such a racket here?" Yuanyang quickly came over to ask.

The maid whispered a few words in Yuanyang's ear, and Yuanyang nodded and said, "I understand, I'll go tell the old lady."

After Yuanyang entered the inner courtyard, she saw that Sanchun, Shi Xiangyun, and Xue Baochai were all by the old lady's side, talking to her.

Grandmother Jia looked up and saw Yuanyang walk in, asking, "Is there something you need?"

Yuanyang stepped forward and said, "Today is a very joyous day. Not long ago, the old lady was talking about Miss Lin. Today, Miss Lin and Mr. Lin have returned to the capital."

Grandmother Jia asked in surprise, "Is it true?"

Yuanyang replied, "Grandma, it's absolutely true. Bai Qing and Zijuan, who are by Miss Lin's side, have come with people to tell you the good news."

Grandmother Jia smiled broadly and said, "Yuanyang, go and see where they are. I received their message a few days ago, saying they would arrive in the capital in a few days. I didn't expect them to arrive two days earlier than expected."

Yuanyang quickly replied, "Yes, madam."

Yuanyang went out, and upon hearing this, Sanchun's face lit up with joy. Xichun, still young, couldn't contain herself and quickly asked, "Grandma, is it true? Sister Lin has really come back?"

Xichun liked the atmosphere of the Lin family and got along well with Sister Lin. Most importantly, Brother Lin was a skilled painter. Once, she saw a painting of bamboo in Sister Lin's study. It was painted so vividly that she begged Sister Lin for a long time before Sister Lin finally gave her the painting.

"Yes, your Sister Lin is back," said Grandmother Jia, beaming with joy.

Shi Xiangyun turned her back. She didn't get along well with Lin Daiyu. Every time she spoke her mind, she would offend Lin Daiyu. After saying the wrong thing a few times, Shi Xiangyun didn't like Lin Daiyu very much and they usually just treated each other as ordinary friends.

Xue Baochai was somewhat passionate. Her mother had already planned to match her with Jia Baoyu, and she went along with her mother's wishes. The servants of the Rongguo Mansion were talking about a perfect match.

But just two months ago, news came that the eldest son of the Lin family had passed the imperial examination and become a scholar. A thirteen-year-old scholar, even more accomplished than the eldest son of the Rongguo Mansion, wouldn't he have a bright future ahead of him?

Xue Baochai became resentful, and whenever she compared Jia Baoyu and Lin Jiyu, Lin Jiyu always won. The only thing Jia Baoyu could compare to was his kindness to women, but at the same time, Jia Baoyu was very amorous and would flirt with any little maid he saw.

"Bai Qing and Zi Juan are here." Yuan Yang's voice interrupted everyone's thoughts.

Bai Qing and Zi Juan stepped forward and bowed to Grandmother Jia.

"Get up, did they have a safe journey?" Grandmother Jia asked.

"Reporting to the old lady, everything is going smoothly. Our daughter asked us to pay our respects to you."

Grandmother Jia asked a few other questions, and the two of them answered them calmly.

"Grandma, the young lady also brought you a gift."

Bai Qing instructed a maid to bring the box forward, open it, revealing the gift inside. Yuanyang stepped forward, took the box, and handed it to Grandmother Jia.

Grandmother Jia could hardly contain her smile. After all, she had lived for so long and had seen all sorts of good things. She was happy that Lin Daiyu was thinking of her even when she was away.

"Haha, Yu'er is thinking of me, she's quite thoughtful."

Sanchun and Xue Baochai echoed this sentiment, saying a few kind words about Lin Daiyu.

"Ladies, please don't rush our young lady any further. She has also brought you gifts," Zijuan teased.

Several young maids stepped forward and handed the gifts intended for the young ladies to the maids behind them.

Yingchun received a set of Othello chess pieces, Tanchun received calligraphy by the master Gu Chengli (Gu Chengli is a fictional character created by the author, so don't take it too seriously), Xichun received a set of paints, Shi Xiangyun received an agate necklace, and Xue Baochai received a jade butterfly-patterned hair ornament.

Xichun stood up immediately and said, "Thank you very much, Sister Lin. When can you come to Rongguo Mansion to play, Sister Lin?"

This remark caught the attention of the others, drawing the attention of those who were still looking at the gifts.

“The young lady said that after the master has finished meeting with the emperor and the father has finished the task assigned by the emperor, the master, the young lady and I will come to Rongguo Mansion together,” Bai Qing replied.

Xichun didn't say anything more. After all, no one could predict the Emperor's affairs. She didn't know when Sister Lin would come to Rongguo Mansion, but Sister Lin probably wouldn't stay there anymore. After all, the Lin family had their own courtyard, and Sister Lin wanted to live with her father.

After the old lady stopped asking questions, Bai Qing took his leave, saying that he still had to deliver gifts to other people.

Bai Qing led his men to the residence of Jia She and Madam Xing. They first paid their respects to Madam Xing. When she saw that someone had brought her gifts, Madam Xing was naturally happy and kept Jia Cong's gifts, which were some good paper and ink.

Next, following the order, Bai Qing and the others went to Jia Zheng and Lady Wang's residence. When they arrived, Lady Wang happened to be there. After bowing to Lady Wang, they left the gifts from Jia Zheng and Lady Wang, and also left paper and ink for Jia Baoyu, Jia Huan, and Jia Lan, although Jia Baoyu and Jia Lan's were slightly better.

Bai Qing then went to Wang Xifeng's courtyard, presented gifts to Jia Lian and Wang Xifeng, and left Qiao Jie's gift behind.

Wang Xifeng was so happy, while her Qiaojie was often overlooked. When she was sick, no one cared. In contrast, if Jia Baoyu accidentally cut himself, the Rongguo Mansion would be in an uproar.

Bai Qing and the others finally went to the northeast corner and left a gift for the Xue family.

By the time they returned to the Lin residence, most of the day had passed. Bai Qing went back to Lin Daiyu's courtyard.

Is everything alright?

"Reporting to Miss, everything went smoothly."