Red Mansion and Crimson Pearl

"The former Wen'an Marquis Lin Ruhai was a pillar of the court and the country. Lin's daughter Daiyu was well-educated at home since she was young. She was smart, well-mannered, and talented.

"Today, in compliance with the wishes of Your Majesty and the Empress, I grant you a purple jade ruyi from Kunning Palace. I wish that Miss Lin will take good care of herself and stay healthy.

"Also, the female members of the Jia family should treat the daughter of the Lin family with courtesy..."

Baoqin hesitated when she said this, then turned her head to peek at the eunuch beside her.

The eunuch sneered, took a step forward, and Baoqin quickly moved half a step to the side.

"Mr. Lin Ruhai is a minister that Your Majesty loves. When he was seriously ill, Your Majesty sent someone to visit him. But unexpectedly, he saw the young man sent by your mansion to 'assist' Lin's funeral, and he was very neglectful. Naturally, Your Majesty was unhappy."

Jia Lian, who was listening curiously at the side, suddenly turned pale and his body involuntarily collapsed to the ground!

When Lady Jia, Mrs. Wang and others saw this, they knew that the palace eunuch had something on him, and they couldn't help but glare at him fiercely!

"This Ruyi was given by the Empress, who hopes that Miss Lin will have everything she wants in front of her grandmother and uncle.

"I heard that your family is building a separate courtyard for Concubine Jia to visit her parents? Then treat Miss Lin well and don't let the courtyard be empty, or it will never wait for the person who is supposed to visit it!"

These words made Lady Jia, Mrs. Wang and others even more frightened. They kowtowed and apologized repeatedly.

Unexpectedly, the eunuch even added: "In addition, you should also make up for the mourning period you owe your aunt! During these nine months, the women of the Jia family are not allowed to enter the palace!"

After speaking in a sonorous and powerful voice, he looked at everyone, snorted coldly, and then ended with: "I accept your order and thank you!"

Therefore, when Jia Min passed away, the Jia family had to go through the nine-month mourning period in a perfunctory manner. This would have to start over again!

Everyone kowtowed again in fear and trepidation: "Thank you, Queen, for your grace."

"Stand up!" The eunuch said perfunctorily with disdain. He watched everyone stand up with difficulty. He rolled his eyes and turned around. When he saw Lin Daiyu, his expression changed in an instant and he walked up to her with a beaming face:

"Miss Lin, the Emperor and the Empress both remember your father's contributions! Please get up quickly!"

Lin Daiyu stood up with the help of Zijuan and thanked the eunuch softly.

The eunuch laughed and said he dared not, and handed over the sandalwood box: "This is the dowry of the Queen, the most beloved purple jade ruyi, and I will give it to you now!

"There is also a token from Kunning Palace in the interlayer under the box, with your name specially engraved on it. Because it is urgent, I am afraid it is a little rough, please don't laugh at me.

"If you run into trouble, you can use this token to go to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to see the Empress. Don't be afraid, the Empress will make the decision for you!"

This brand is even more surprising than the purple jade Ruyi!

Lin Daiyu's heart was beating wildly, and she did not try to hide her surprise. She knelt down again and said, "How could this humble servant deserve such love and care from the Empress? I feel so unworthy of it, I dare not..."

"Miss Lin, this is not only an imperial decree, but also the emperor's will. You cannot refuse it!" The eunuch interrupted her with a smile and directly handed the box to Xueyan who was standing on the other side of Lin Daiyu.

Xueyan was young and didn't know how to refuse such a thing. She just stood there in amazement, holding the sandalwood box that fell into her arms, not knowing what to do.

The eunuch bowed again towards Lin Daiyu, and walked to Baoqin's back and stood there in a pretentious manner.

Baoqin looked at everyone helplessly, nodded, and said goodbye.

Jia Lian was trembling with fear at this time and couldn't even get up.

Grandmother Jia looked around and found that except for the twelve-year-old Baoyu, there was no one else who could do anything. She felt sad, but she had no choice but to tell Baoyu: "Send the angel away, and then go and ask your master to come in. I have something to say."

He then motioned Yuanyang to follow him.

Yuanyang understood, lowered her head and hurried to follow Baoqin. Baoyu also smiled and stepped forward to invite the eunuch to go out.

It happened so fast that everyone was unable to react.

Only Mrs. Xing was quick to step forward and help Lady Jia. She then dignifiedly told everyone, "Okay, go back and change your clothes, have some tea, some snacks, and shut up!

"Zijuan and Xueyan, help Miss Lin to Lixiang Courtyard. If you need anything, ask someone to go to Lin Zhixiao's house. The journey is long. If Miss Lin is tired, don't come over tonight. Take a good rest. Come back tomorrow to talk to the old lady."

After Mrs. Xing finished speaking, she glanced at Lady Jia's expression.

Grandmother Jia, who had always disliked her eldest daughter-in-law, did not push Mrs. Xing away this time. Instead, she continued with what she had said:

"My wife Zhu'er's previous idea was very sound. I had originally intended to entrust Sister Lin to you, but I was worried that it would be difficult for Lan to ask for it. Since you are filial and willing to share the worries for Grandmother, that's great.

"When you find a good date and a good house tomorrow, you can move in. It will be quiet there, and you can teach Lan'er well."

He actually agreed to Li Wan's proposal directly and even gave her a big compliment.

This is a clear slap in Mrs. Wang's face.

Mrs. Wang's face turned blue and red. She bit her lip and turned her face away, tears falling down.

This result is not bad.

Lin Daiyu pretended not to notice the different expressions of the crowd. She just calmly bowed and said goodbye to Lady Jia and Lady Xing, then smiled and greeted Li Wan. Then, she supported Zijuan and walked away slowly with Xueyan, who still hadn't reacted.

Of course, Lixiangyuan was not cleaned up yet.

"The three main rooms and the west wing have been cleaned up. Miss Lin, Sister Zijuan, and Sister Xueyan can move in first.

"The east wing will be ready by dinner time, I will ask them to be gentle and not disturb the girls' rest.

"As for the side room at the back and the kitchen at the corner of the yard, they didn't make much of a move when the Xue family left. The girl didn't cook, and there were not many people around, so they could just lock them and leave them alone."

The girl who came up to report the matter had beautiful black hair, was pretty and clean, and spoke very briefly and crisply. However, she seemed to be one or two years younger than Zijuan.

Lin Daiyu looked her up and down for a moment and couldn't help but smile and said, "You are a very good girl. What's your name? Who is your family? Zijuan, come and see."

The maid smiled and took the purse handed over by Zijuan without any arrogance or servility. She put it in her sleeve without any concern and replied with a smile: "My name is Hong'er, and my surname is Lin."

"Miss, she is Lin Zhixiao's youngest daughter, originally named Lin Hongyu. Because she loves Master Bao and you, she changed her name to Xiaohong in the past two years." Zijuan glared at her, obviously showing her familiarity, "You are so vague when you speak in front of a young lady!"

It turned out that she was Lin Zhixiao's daughter.

Lin Daiyu's eyebrows moved slightly and she laughed: "It seems that the family is really busy and there is not enough manpower. Even the housekeeper's daughter was used to clean my place."

"Young girl, you're making fun of me. We are all servants born in the family. It's our blessing if our master can use us." Lin Xiaohong's eyes were also smart and flickering.

Lin Daiyu just found it interesting and tilted her head to look at her for a while, then suddenly remembered - this was the maid that Baoyu mentioned and that Wang Xifeng specially picked from his yard after the Grand View Garden was built!

She is neat and capable, worthy of being the housekeeper's daughter.

"I really do need you. I have too few people here, and I was thinking of asking my grandmother for two more. I just wonder if your parents are willing to let you live with me from now on?"

Lin Daiyu's eyes are sparkling, revealing her unique intelligence and confidence, which makes people feel awe.