The "Success in the Imperial Examination" in Dream of the Red Chamber: Baoyu and Jialan's Endings and Historical Truth

In the circulating versions of Dream of the Red Chamber, the plot regarding Baoyu and Jialan "passing the imperial examination" is often mentioned by readers. However, this hides details concerning version differences and historical systems. As a crucial link in the book's conclusion, this plot not only concerns the fate of the characters but also reflects the logic of rise and fall within feudal scholar-official families.

Brief Introduction

The claim that Baoyu and Jialan passed the examination to become Juren (provincial graduates) mainly comes from the last forty chapters of Dream of the Red Chamber (generally believed to be Gao E's continuation). In the first eighty chapters of the original work, the Jia Baoyu portrayed by Cao Xueqin despised "economic articles" and viewed the imperial examination as a path to officialdom and economics, never intending to prepare for it. In the ending of the popular version, to fulfill Jia Zheng's expectations, Baoyu eventually takes the exam, and Jialan also studies diligently. The two together welcome a brief revival of the family, but this precisely constitutes the greatest tragic irony of the entire book.

Core Knowledge Points

1. Distinction of the Imperial Examination System
Provincial Examination (Passing to become a Juren): A provincial-level exam. Those who pass are called "Juren". In the book, Jialan actually passed this level to become a Juren*.
Palace Examination (Passing to become a Jinshi): A national-level exam. Those who pass are called "Jinshi". In the book, Jia Baoyu actually passed as the seventh-ranked Jinshi, rather than simply a Juren*. While commonly referred to collectively as "passing the exams" in folklore, there is a technical distinction in the system.

2. Versions and Creative Intent
* Cao Xueqin's Original Intent: Emphasizes "A thousand reds weep together, ten thousand beauties share the same sorrow." Baoyu's ending should be "letting go from the cliff," severing ties with the path of officialdom.
* Sequel Arrangement: To conform to the prophecy of "Orchids and Cassias fragrant together" (descendants bringing glory), the sequel arranges for Baoyu to take the exam. However, this was not Baoyu's true heart, but rather a final compromise with世俗 (secular) responsibilities.

3. Thematic Metaphor: "A Vast White Earth Truly Clean"
* After passing the examination, Baoyu did not take office but chose to become a monk. Success in the imperial examination did not bring worldly fulfillment; instead, it became the opportunity for him to completely detach from the mundane world. This arrangement of "passing the exam then becoming a monk" deepens the theme of "prosperity falling away."

Connection to Content in the Book

Plot Points: This plot is concentrated in Chapters 119 to 120. Jialan "passed to become a Juren" due to hard study, while Baoyu "passed to become a Jinshi*" while Jia Zheng was on his way to the capital.
Character Contrast: Jialan's "passing" represents the continuation and hope of the Jia family's branch ("Orchids and Cassias fragrant together"), while Baoyu's "passing as a Jinshi*" was to fulfill his father's wish, after which he "drifted away like an immortal."
* Family Fate: The success of the two temporarily saved the Jia family, which had been confiscated, allowing the guilty titles to be restored. However, this was merely a last-gasp revival under the feudal system and could not conceal the historical trend of the family's inevitable decline.

Summary

The success of Baoyu and Jialan in the imperial examination in Dream of the Red Chamber is a complex text woven from literary fiction and historical systems. It satisfies the traditional novel expectation of a "happy ending" while breaking this expectation through Baoyu's ending of becoming a monk. Understanding this plot requires distinguishing between the levels of the Provincial Examination and the Palace Examination, and洞察 (insight into) the profound contradiction between "entering the world" (secular life) and "leaving the world" (renunciation) behind it.