Xue Baochao and Xing Xiuyan, the position in "Dream of the Red Chamber" can not be compared, one of them is a heroine who is not allowed to be tolerated, and the other can only be regarded as a supporting role in a supporting role.
However, when we erase the aura of the protagonist on Xue Baochao's body, we will find that the two women have a very similar place - one of them is the niece of the eldest wife of Rong Guofu, and the other is the niece of the second wife of Rong Guofu. In terms of this relationship, their closeness with Jia Fu is completely consistent.
As the niece of the second wife, Lady Wang, Xue Baochao came to Jia Province very early and lived in Jia Province for many years; as the niece of the eldest wife, Lady Xing, Xing Xiuyan came to Jia Province relatively late. So, the same are the guests of Jia Fu, the same are the wives of Jia Fu, Xing Xiuyan and Xue Baochao, who is the more popular guest of Jia Fu?
I have to say that the pomp and popularity of Xue Baochao when he entered Jia Mansion far exceeded that of Xing Xiuyan.
A few days later, the family reported that "my aunt and wife brought my brother and sister into Beijing and got off the bus outside the door." Mrs. Xide Wang was busy bringing her daughter-in-law and daughter to inquire, and took Aunt Xue and others in.
Because he came to Jia Mansion with his mother and brother, Xue Baochao entered the pomp and circumstance of Jia Mansion, not only surpassing Xing Xiuyan, but even surpassing Lin Daiyu. This is because of ancient etiquette. However, when Aunt Xue brought Xue Baochao and Xue Pan into the Jia Mansion, Jia Mu and Jia Zheng also sent people to stay with the Xue family.
Jia Zheng then sent people to madame Wang and said: "Mrs. Aunt has already had spring and autumn, the nephew is young and does not know the world, living outside is afraid of life affairs, we have a northeast corner of the Lixiang Courtyard, a dozen rooms are idle, hurry to clean, please aunt and sister, sister to live very well." Jia Mu also sent someone to say, "Please aunt and wife stay here, everyone is closer."
Xing Xiuyan also came to Jia Province with his parents, but their popularity was far less than that of Xue Baochao and Aunt Xue.
Because the Xing family is poor, presumably Xing Xiuyan's dress is also relatively shabby. At that time, almost no one in the Jia Mansion took Xing Xiuyan in his eyes. Even Jia Mu, who likes girls the most, only has a very polite but no emotion to speak of: "Your niece does not have to go home, live in the garden for a few days, and then go shopping." ”
Jia Mu's way of keeping Xing Xiuyan was just a courtesy, far less than the sincerity of keeping the Xue family. She did not even intend to let Xing Xiuyan live in the Grand View Garden like Xue Baochao, Shi Xiangyun and others, but hoped that she could "go shopping and go again".
However, as Xing Xianyan and Xue Baochao lived in Jia Fu for longer and longer, the attitude of the Jia people towards these two girls changed greatly, especially when the two girls were facing the situation of moving out, and the attitude of the Jia family was even more revealed, who was the most welcome guest in Jia Province.
Xing Xiuyan was ready to move out of Jia Province because she had betrothed herself to Xue Tao. According to the ancient rules, a woman who is engaged can no longer meet with her in-laws. Because Xue Baochao and Xue Baoqin both lived in the Grand View Garden, and Aunt Xue often came to the garden, Lady Xing was ready to take Xing Xiuyan out according to the rules. At this time, Jia Mu was unwilling to -
Jia Muyin said, "What's the matter?" The two children can't meet, that is, the aunt and her sister-in-law, a little sister-in-law, what is the harm? Moreover, they are all girls, just kissing incense! ”
It can be seen that during the time when Xing Xianyan lived in Jia Province, this girl won the love of Jia Mu by virtue of her own excellence. Therefore, the old lady was reluctant to give up this woman. However, when Xue Baochao was ready to move out of the Grand View Garden, what did the people of Jia Province do?
Tanchun said, "Very good, not only is my aunt good, but if you come, it will be good, and if you don't come, you will make it." "Relatives are good, there is no need to live in order to be good!"
For the Jia family, they had long been eager to hope that Xue Baochao would move out of the Grand View Garden. Jia Mu, on the other hand, remained silent throughout the whole process of Xue Baochao's move, as if she didn't know at all. It can be seen that the old lady has absolutely no intention of retaining Xue Baochao.
There are guests at home, and the host's warm retention is a sentiment and a way of hospitality; when the guests want to leave, the host expresses reluctance, which is also a kind of affection.
And Jia Mu's retention of Xing Xiuyan is from the heart; Xue Baochao's departure is somewhat embarrassing, and Tanchun's words reveal Jia Fu's eagerness to leave Xue Baochao.
Therefore, although when Xue Baochao first entered Jia Province, Jia Fu's welcome to her far exceeded that of Xing Xiuyan, after years of contact, the recognition of Xing Xiuyan by the people of Jia Province had long surpassed Xue Baochao. Xing Xiuyan, who is not humble, elegant and fresh, and courteous, is the more welcome guest of Jia Fu.