Chapter 8, The coldest thing is the human heart
Playing the lute to a cow, seeking one's own suffering, courting one's own boredom, am I not being foolish? Jia Baoyu felt a sense of powerlessness; his modern thoughts were ahead of their time, and no one could understand them. In that moment, Jia Baoyu was overcome by a feeling akin to a heart-wrenching melody, wondering where in the world he could find a kindred spirit.
"Is it that you do not want to? Or is it that you do not dare? Are you not in great pain? Do you wish to die to express your resolve? If you do not take the drastic step of ending your own life, how will you find liberation? How can you be worthy of the Buddha?" Jia Baoyu intensified his remarks, truly a talented individual, perhaps he could even become a missionary
"Sister-in-law, you should head back first; I will just stroll around the courtyard," Jia Baoyu said with a smile. After a long day, he felt quite exhausted both physically and mentally, and wanting to shake off those chaotic thoughts, he headed straight towards the western courtyard.
Zhou Rui looked at Jia Baoyu with admiration. For them, Jia Baoyu was able to make Jiao Da leave quietly and without worries, which can be said to have resolved a nuisance for the East Mansion. Second Master is undoubtedly an exceptional person, and the views of the servants in the East Mansion towards Jia Baoyu suddenly improved.
Oh? Is that so? Didn't Old Master Jiao say that someone in the Eastern Mansion was defying you? Isn't having two meals a day just eating leftovers? How has it changed? You once saved the Grand Master, yet you are so cowardly and afraid of death; a life of comfort can lead to ruin!
Jiao Da's face was ashen, yet his heart was filled with anticipation and joy. Wang Xifeng and Zhou Rui rubbed their eyes and exclaimed in unison, who on earth is so shameless? This legendary Second Master is truly remarkable, spinning a tale so extravagant with just a few words, turning a decent Jiao Da into a figure of unspeakable evil, irredeemable even after a hundred deaths!
What? Jia Baoyu is dumbfounded, could it be that Jiao Da is a masochist? Oh dear, could it be that my few words have enlightened him? To meet him three days later, such a clichéd plot is too unreliable, right? Is he going to impart to me unparalleled skills?
"You, what about you?" Jia Baoyu's lips curled into a smirk, and he exuded a sharp and striking aura, instantly becoming the center of attention. Wang Xifeng and others looked on in astonishment, wondering if this second master had suddenly experienced a change of heart, washed his hands of his past, and turned over a new leaf that was worth more than gold.
You..." Jiao Da widened his eyes, his eyeballs nearly popping out. This is terrible; I, who have been wise all my life, have been momentarily confused and have fallen into this kid's trap!
Ah, the hearts of the people! Well said! Jiao Da, with a piercing gaze, unexpectedly broke from his usual demeanor, kneeling on one knee and loudly proclaiming: "Jiao Da of the East Mansion pays his respects to the Second Young Master. I hope the Young Master can forgive my earlier offense. The Young Master possesses the virtues of his ancestors, and great things can be anticipated."
Regarding martial arts, Jia Baoyu is certainly very interested, as it is fundamental for self-defense and survival. After saying so much to Jiao Da tonight, he naturally knows how shocking his words are. He can tell by the way those people look at him as if he were a madman.
What nonsense is this? Jiao Da listened with his eyes wide open. Jia Baoyu said: "We indulge in affairs, we support our younger brothers, this is indeed true, but what the hell does this have to do with you? We have money, so we keep mistresses and support our lovers. Firstly, it does not harm morality; secondly, it is not illegal; thirdly, it is consensual; fourthly, it meets the needs of both parties, achieving a win-win situation. Jiao Da, I ask you, what crime have we committed?"
As for the promise made to you by the elder, Jia Baoyu smiled gently, making one feel as if they were bathed in a spring breeze: "Elder Jiao, have you really lived your life without understanding the ways of the world? The one on the dragon throne must always be wary of attracting attention, for great achievements can lead to the downfall of their master, just as a rabbit is cooked and a dog is boiled, or a bird is hunted and a bow is hidden. Moreover, you, a mere grain of sand in the vastness of the world, fail to grasp this principle, which is truly lamentable and pitiable, deserving of both sympathy and scorn"
I..." Jiao Da was at a loss for words, staring at the sharp dagger, trembling and not daring to take it. His expression changed: "I don't want to..."
Your past contributions, a true hero does not speak of past glories, how can you bring it up every day?" Jia Baoyu shifted the topic, resembling a compassionate Guanyin Bodhisattva: "Old Master Jiao, you saved the elder, not the Jia family. Without you, there would still be the elder, and the Jia family would remain the Jia family, with little change. You are merely a servant, while I am a second-generation rich. The gap between us is as vast as the difference between heaven and earth, an unavoidable fate of birth that you cannot choose.
Jiao Da, considering the face of the elder, I, your grandson, would like to share a few words with you. In this world, the most fragile thing is human sentiment, the coldest thing is the human heart, and the two words that cannot be trusted the most are 'oath' Jia Baoyu, assuming the demeanor of an elder, tapped Jiao Da's shoulder
"Has Grandma Rong just come out? Why haven't I seen her? Baoyu, will you come back with me?" Wang Xifeng's charming face was filled with a smile, exuding an array of allure. In truth, a woman like her always presents an appearance that invites you to partake, yet you can never truly indulge.
Jia Baoyu's words resonated powerfully as he raised both hands, lamenting the state of humanity: "Why do you unjustly criticize? Even the current emperor has three palaces, six courtyards, twenty-seven consorts, seventy-two concubines, and eighty-one imperial wives. How dare you harbor ulterior motives, leading the world into unkindness and the emperor into injustice! You are disloyal to the Jia family and unfilial to your lord! You... Oh heavens! How can you, a person devoid of kindness, justice, loyalty, and filial piety, still have the face to live in this world?" Even the current emperor has three palaces, six courtyards, twenty-seven consorts, seventy-two concubines, and eighty-one imperial wives. How dare you harbor ulterior motives, leading the world into unkindness and the emperor into injustice! You are disloyal to the Jia family and unfilial to your lord! You... Oh heavens! How can you, a person devoid of kindness, justice, loyalty, and filial piety, still have the face to live in this world?
In recent days, Jia Baoyu's manner of conduct has been markedly different from his usual self, subtly revealing an air of danger. Who would dare to regard such a person as a child? Wang Xifeng, with her beautiful eyes wide in surprise, no longer dared to tease her younger brother-in-law.
A gleaming dagger radiated a chilling light, lying before Jiao Da. This dagger was carried and played with by Jia Baoyu, and now it found its purpose. It could fulfill a person's wish, granting them liberation, truly surpassing the construction of a seven-story pagoda. Jia Baoyu felt that he was exceedingly kind.
Jia Baoyu retrieved the dagger and coldly snorted, "Jiao Da, you say that I rely on the blessings of my ancestors to act with power and authority, that the Jia family raises the younger brothers of the family, and that I indulge in debauchery. I am here to tell you, it is only natural and just that those who plant trees benefit from their shade. I am a second-generation rich kid; why should I not be arrogant? Why should I not be a dandy? Why should I not wield power and enjoy privileges? Do you have any reason to expect me to be modest and restrained? If I do not act arrogantly, heaven will not tolerate me; if heaven does not tolerate me, how can I become a Buddha?"
As he raised his wrist, a faint red glow emanated from it. Suddenly, he stood up and whispered to Jia Baoyu: "Three days later, at Tianxiang Tower, I await your esteemed presence."
Sister Lian, just now Grandma Rong mentioned that our dear Sister Zhen and Grandma Rong will invite you over for a meal another day
Nonsense! Jiao was so furious that he blew his beard and glared, shouting: "Who said I am going to die? I was just speaking in anger, do you understand what that means? I have food and drink, three meals a day, working from nine to five, how could I possibly die?"
Jiao Da's palm manifested a streak of red energy, which, in a flash, heavily struck Jia Baoyu's shoulders. He laughed heartily a few times, then strode away, his smile seemingly filled with a sense of... contentment.
It is lonely at the top