Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

As Lin Ruhai thought about his dream last night, he felt a fire burning in his lower body, his handsome face flushed red. It was unbelievable that Lin Ruhai, a high-ranking official in the imperial court and a close minister to the emperor, had also had an erotic dream. Could it be that he had been celibate for too long?

Lin Ruhai changed his clothes, had lunch, and then went to the government office to work. As he walked, he was still immersed in the dream he had last night. The dream was too real, and he couldn't let it go for a long time.

Thinking about last night's events, Lin Ruhai decided not to take the sedan chair, but to walk to the yamen. As he walked, his mind replayed the scenes from his dream, and his heart grew heavier. Suddenly, he bumped into someone and reached out to help. The moment he looked up, Lin Ruhai felt his heart pounding, as if it was about to burst out of his throat. The person before him was exactly like the woman from last night's dream!

After all, Lin Ruhai was an old fox who had been in the court for many years. He quickly calmed himself down and said to the woman, "Miss, I'm sorry for being rude. Are you feeling uncomfortable?" His voice was low and gentle, but his heart was in turmoil.

Xifeng chuckled inwardly, thinking that this man, just as she had expected, showed no sign of guilt or surprise. She feigned shyness and replied, "Nothing." Seeing him so understanding, Lin Ruhai couldn't help but feel a surge of guilt. He then asked, "Whose family are you from? I've been unintentional and have been rude. I owe you an apology." His tone was sincere and genuine, and his eyes hinted at an apology.

Upon hearing this, Xifeng couldn't help but feel delighted, thinking to herself, "She's taken the bait!" However, she didn't show it at all. Instead, she spoke softly, "Why are you so polite, sir? I'm a young lady from the Wang family in Jinling, and my name is Wang Xifeng. I'm on my way to visit my parents at their old home in Jinling, and I'm passing through Suzhou. I didn't expect to meet you here. It's truly fate."

Upon hearing this, Lin Ruhai suddenly realized that the beautiful woman before him was actually from the Wang family. He couldn't help but sigh, "So that's how it is. Your father and I studied together at the Imperial Academy when we were young. Now that I think about it, it's been many years since we last met."

Hearing this, Xifeng was secretly delighted, thinking that this chance encounter was truly a coincidence, perhaps she could use this opportunity to get to know the Lin family. Meanwhile, Lin Ruhai's admiration for Xifeng grew even stronger, thinking to himself, "This woman is not only beautiful, but also intelligent and talented. Marrying her would be a truly wonderful thing." Thinking of this, he couldn't help but glance at Xifeng a few more times, a hint of admiration in his eyes.

After parting with Xifeng, Lin Ruhai couldn't help but complain as he walked back. He thought, not to mention that he was much older than the young lady from the Wang family, but just as long as his wife, Jia Min, was still alive, there was no way the young lady from the Wang family would become his concubine. Even if Jia Min unfortunately passed away, the Wang family, with its status and reputation, would never allow their daughter to become a second wife. Thinking of this, Lin Ruhai couldn't help but feel a deep sense of disappointment.

Yet, even he hadn't anticipated the mystical power of love. A mere encounter with a girl had already captivated him. This feeling, like a seed, lodged deep within his heart, waiting only for the right moment to take root and sprout. Lin Ruhai was now torn between conflict and entanglement. On the one hand, he understood the harsh reality of this relationship and knew it would be difficult for it to succeed; on the other, he couldn't control his deep affection for the young lady from the Wang family.

Lin Ruhai returned to his mansion and sat quietly in his study, lost in thought. He began to contemplate his life and the path forward. He knew he couldn't let his emotions cloud his thinking and must face reality calmly. But at the same time, he hoped to find a way to live up to his feelings while also safeguarding the family's interests and dignity.