Jia Yucun Becomes Lin Family Tutor
Role in this event: Protagonist
After dismissal Jia Yucun travels and is recommended as tutor to Salt Commissioner Lin Ruhai in Yangzhou, teaching young Lin Daiyu. That post becomes the bridge for his later reinstatement through the Lin and Jia families.
Related chapters: Ch. 3
Leng Zixing Narrates the Rong Mansion
Role in this event: Participant
Leng Zixing tells Jia Yucun about the rise and fall of the four great families, sketching the Jia family's background for the reader.
Related chapters: Ch. 2
Jia Yucun Departs for the Capital
Role in this event: Protagonist
On Mid-Autumn night Zhen Shiyin meets the down-and-out scholar Jia Yucun and gives him fifty taels of silver and two suits for the capital examinations. Jia Yucun leaves without farewell the next day; his failure to repay this kindness foreshadows his later climb through powerful connections.
Related chapters: Ch. 1