Chapter 2, what the heck

Indeed, the young master is exceptionally talented, as the rumors suggest. Upon seeing Jia Baoyu pay his respects, the middle-aged man Jia Yucun exclaimed in admiration, and then added: "What you say is absolutely correct, my dear brother Zheng. I originally hail from Huzhou, and since the Eastern Han period with Jia Fu, the surname Jia can be found in various provinces across the land. I feel quite honored to be here."

Little did he know that Jia Zheng, like him, furrowed his brows, pondering the strangeness of the situation. He thought to himself, how odd, as the Four Books and Five Classics do not record this. He was unaware of its meaning and felt it was inappropriate to inquire about it in front of others, as that would make him appear ignorant.

"Next Ao, Next Ao, what does this mean? Although I do not dare to claim to be a learned scholar, I am well-versed in both ancient and modern knowledge. Why have I never seen these two characters before? Could it be some kind of allusion?" Jia Yucun furrowed his brow in contemplation, unable to come up with a reason.

Zhou Rui?" Jia Zheng pondered for a moment. He never paid attention to the trivial matters of the Jia family, and he could hardly remember the hundreds or thousands of people inside and outside. After a while, he suddenly smiled and said: "I remember now, his wife is a companion of my wife."

Bring it here! Jia Zheng, with his keen eyes, noticed the calligraphy and paintings, and he was determined to investigate what his son had been learning on a daily basis. Jia Baoyu handed over the calligraphy and paintings, and Jia Zheng spread them out on the table

Jia Zheng's old face darkened as he stroked his beard. At that moment, Jia Baoyu activated the memories of the original owner. This Lady Lin, named Jia Min, married from the capital to Yangzhou. Old Lady Shi, also known as Grandmother Jia, had three children: Jia She, Jia Zheng, and Jia Min.

Uh... Zhang Yucun opened his mouth. Originally, he thought that Leng Zixing's success in the antique business was already quite remarkable, so his father-in-law and mother-in-law should hold a prominent position in the Jia family. Unexpectedly, they were merely secondary companions to Jia Zheng's wife. Now, aside from marveling at the immense power of the Jia family, he also realized that their influence was indeed formidable.

Having come to a realization, Jia Yucun stumbled slightly, hurriedly suppressing his laughter, and set off for his official post in Jinling, the capital of the province.

Thank you so much, Brother Zheng. "Jia Yucun clasped his hands, unable to contain his joy. He knew that the Jia family wielded considerable influence, but he had not realized it was to such an extent

About a quarter of an hour later, Jia Yucun stood up to take his leave, muttering "Ci Ao, Ci Ao" to himself. It was not until he reached the threshold that he suddenly realized: "Ci Ao, Ci Ao, when pronounced phonetically, doesn't 'Ci Ao' mean 'cursing'?"

Jia Baoyu stroked his chin, contemplating for a moment. Jia Yucun is indeed a person of significance, capable of both taking and letting go, and possesses a certain intellect. He first mentioned that he and the Jia family share the same ancestry, then spoke of his relationship with Lin Ruhai, and even complimented Lin Daiyu. It is important to note that these two individuals, one is Jia Zheng's brother-in-law, and the other is Jia Zheng's niece, so Jia Zheng would certainly be pleased.

Jia Zheng was also calculating his interests. He saw that Jia Yucun was indeed a rare talent, and with the letter from his brother-in-law Lin Ruhai, the most crucial point was that many of the people under the jurisdiction of Jinling and Tiandu were relatives of the Jia family. Such a situation, which achieved two goals with one action, was certainly something to be welcomed.

Jia Baoyu stuck out his tongue, held his head, and fled in a panic. Lin Daiyu? Could it be the legendary Lin Sister? Wow! I truly have great fortune in love; it wouldn't hurt to take a look at such a celestial being.

Jia Baoyu secretly found it amusing; this is indeed modern internet slang, how could two old men possibly come up with it? Let them rack their brains over it.

Jia Yucun smiled lightly, not taking it to heart, after all, Jia Baoyu was just a child. Remembering that he was currently in need of assistance, he spoke candidly: "A few years ago, I passed the imperial examination and felt quite pleased with myself. However, after serving as an official in Jinling for a few years, I was reported by someone and have remained a commoner ever since. One day, I traveled to Yangzhou and encountered your brother-in-law Lin Ruhai, who had just taken office as the Salt Supervisor. Unfortunately, Madam Lin, your sister, had passed away."

At this moment, Jia Baoyu was secretly alarmed, and he sighed softly, saying: "It seems that the Jia family is indeed large and prosperous, but I do not know whether this is a blessing or a curse. Alas, let us not think about these matters for now. Speaking of past and present lives, I have always been a virgin; in this life, I must break this constraint no matter what."

"Zheng Xiong, I once had a friend named Leng Zixing, who was engaged in the antique trade in the capital. His father-in-law, Zhou Rui, is a member of your Jia family. I wonder if you know him?" Jia Yucun skillfully diverted the conversation, effectively alleviating the awkward atmosphere for Jia Zheng.

Lin Ruhai has never remarried and has a daughter, Lin Daiyu. I have traveled extensively, and upon his invitation, I became Lin Daiyu's teacher. This young lady is exceptionally intelligent and perceptive, making us men feel ashamed of ourselves. Currently, at the request of Old Lady Shi, Lin Ruhai has allowed Lin Daiyu to come to the capital to reside, and I am serving as her attendant. However, I have also heard that the current Emperor is in high spirits and has permitted the reinstatement of those previously dismissed from their positions. I possess a letter from Lin Ruhai, the purpose of which is self-evident, and I hope that Brother Zheng can provide some assistance in this matter.

Thus, Lady Jia Min is my aunt, and Lin Ruhai is my uncle. Let us listen to what he has to say next. Jia Baoyu pondered in his heart while simultaneously gathering information from their conversation

"Haven't you come to pay your respects to Uncle Jia Yucun yet? Although Jia Yucun is not a member of our Jia family, he is still of the same lineage." Jia Zheng snorted coldly, seeing Jia Baoyu's submissive demeanor, he was already filled with anger. This is his own son, utterly useless, a complete mess, a pile of mud that cannot be propped up against the wall

It is just that he lacks a powerful background; if he falls, he falls. Now he only thinks of seeking shelter under a big tree, thus planning to cling to the powerful Jia family. Jia Yucun is inherently adaptable; he will not lament his unrecognized talent like Li Bai or Du Fu, nor will he bow for five pecks of rice like Tao Yuanming, and he certainly will not, like Liu Yong, "exchange fame for shallow drinking and low singing"

Jia Zheng could not help but blush; his son looked truly disgraceful, as if he had embarrassed himself in front of his grandmother. With such a debauched son, what could he possibly understand about the intricacies of official social interactions? At this moment, he was likely filled with trivial matters and frivolous pursuits, seemingly oblivious to the seriousness of the situation. It appears that his efforts were in vain.

Jia Yucun spoke in a calm and unhurried manner, without revealing his true feelings, making it difficult for others to discern his real mindset. In fact, he was already filled with indignation. Damn it, which one of us officials is without a bit of dirt on our hands? Yet those people still accuse him of "disregarding the law and lining his own pockets," which is truly laughable to the extreme

On the surface, he appeared unperturbed, yet in reality, Jia Yucun was profoundly shaken, having firmly resolved in his heart to cling tightly to the powerful Jia family.

Touching his chin, Jia Baoyu's thoughts drifted to the Nine Heavens, his face filled with exuberance and delight, overwhelmed by a sense of indulgence and debauchery that enveloped his entire being

As expected, Jia Baoyu secretly glanced at Jia Zheng, whose face was flushed. He casually read Lin Ruhai's letter, pondered for a moment, and smiled, saying: "I observe that Brother Yucun speaks with ease and impartiality, so how could he have been dismissed? Perhaps the Emperor has been deceived by petty individuals. In this case, since Brother Yucun is of our kin, we should speak as one family. I see that the Jinling Yingtian Prefecture is in need of personnel; you may take up your post there without hesitation. I will handle all matters accordingly."

"You wretched creature! What are you still dawdling for? Why don't you go and welcome your Lin sister?" Jia Zheng slammed the table and scolded loudly

Jia Baoyu sulkily remained silent, leaning back, is there really such a father? He chuckled awkwardly a few times, and Jia Baoyu quickly stepped back a few paces; in doing so, he inadvertently revealed half of a painting hidden in his clothing.

At this moment, he was secretly paying attention to the conversation between the two, while Jia Zheng paid him no mind, presumably to let him learn about such matters of official socializing. However, Jia Zheng's expression towards his son remained icy cold; Jia Baoyu estimated that if a thermometer were to measure it, Jia Zheng's face would surely register at zero degrees Celsius.

"Bastard! What nonsense are you spouting again?" Jia Zheng looked at his son with disapproval; apart from having a somewhat decent appearance, there was truly nothing commendable about him. What was infuriating was the lewd expression on his face, as if he were lost in some kind of fantasy... What on earth is he thinking?

In Jia Yucun's view, the aforementioned individuals are all rather foolish, which is why he lives more freely and capriciously than they do

Jia Baoyu felt greatly displeased in his heart, yet he did not dare to oppose. Firstly, Jia Zheng, in front of guests, was indeed concerned about his reputation; secondly, if he were to resist, he would no longer resemble the original Jia Baoyu, and revealing his true feelings would lead to serious consequences

Jia Baoyu felt extremely pleased and satisfied upon hearing Jia Yucun praise him. He thought to himself that such behavior of admiring one's appearance had evidently been prevalent since ancient times. At the same time, he felt fortunate that in this life he was not lacking in looks, and he anticipated that a life of happiness should be within reach.

Jia Yucun also glanced over, and he saw the characters above written in a flamboyant and unrestrained style, so vivid that it would not be an exaggeration to say they were carved three inches deep; the two characters were strikingly: "Ci Ao"