Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

Sunlight streamed through the clouds, illuminating Jia Zheng's slightly exhausted figure. He left the yamen with a heavy heart, accompanied silently by his personal servant, Li Gui. Together, they boarded a luxurious carriage, which was filled with the faint scent of sandalwood.

Li Gui sat respectfully outside the carriage and asked softly, "Master, are you returning to the mansion now? Or are you going somewhere else?" Jia Zheng was silent for a moment, then uttered a low, "To Xiaohuazhi Lane."

The carriage moved slowly forward, the rustle of its wheels accompanies Jia Zheng's inner thoughts. His brow furrowed slightly, as if lost in deep thought. Before long, they arrived at the entrance of Xiaohuazhi Alley. Jia Zheng cast his gaze forward, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes.

As he entered Xiaohuazhi Lane, a rich scent of cosmetics filled his face. Red lanterns lining the lane flickered faintly, illuminating the narrow path. Jia Zheng's steps seemed heavy, but his eyes revealed a familiarity and anticipation.

Finally, they arrived at the door of a brothel called Chunxianglou. Standing at the door was a middle-aged woman with heavy makeup and frivolous clothes. When she saw Jia Zheng, she immediately came forward with a warm smile on her face.

"Master Jia, you haven't been here for a long time! Have you forgotten about us girls because you have a new confidant?" The woman said coquettishly, and at the same time reached out to hug Jia Zheng's arm and shook it gently.

Jia Zheng smiled slightly, stretched out his hand and pinched the woman's plump buttocks, teasing: "How could that be! You can forget anyone but not Sister Xiangxiang!" After that, he pulled out his arm and walked towards the private room upstairs.

Seeing this, the woman smiled with satisfaction and followed Jia Zheng upstairs. She swayed her slender waist, her ample breasts jiggling with each step, exuding an alluring charm. Along the way, she occasionally flirted with Jia Zheng, creating a relaxed and ambiguous atmosphere.

After entering the private room, Jia Zheng sat down and looked around. Sister Xiangxiang ordered wine and food to be served, then sat down beside Jia Zheng and poured him some wine.

Jia Zheng picked up the wine glass, took a sip, looked at Sister Xiangxiang with a dazed look, and said, "I came here today because I wanted to find someone to chat with me."

Sister Xiangxiang smiled knowingly, knowing that Jia Zheng hadn't come here simply for pleasure. She gently stroked Jia Zheng's hand and said softly, "Master Jia, if you have any worries, please tell me."

Jia Zheng sighed deeply, with a trace of helplessness and grief in his eyes, and he said slowly: "I am the legitimate son of the Duke of Rong, but why do I live such a miserable life? My wife can't read a single word, and she only knows how to pursue gold and silver all day long. She is also jealous by nature. I just want a little maid to serve me, but I was rumored to be a lustful man. I have worked diligently for many years, but in the end I am still a small fifth-rank official..." His voice gradually became low, as if he was expressing the pain and unwillingness deep in his heart.

Sister Xiangxiang, having met all kinds of men, naturally knew how to win their favor. Silently, she listened to Jia Zheng's complaints, her eyes revealing understanding and sympathy. She gently patted Jia Zheng's shoulder and said tenderly, "Sir, please don't be too sad. These are only temporary difficulties. As long as we persevere, things will definitely turn around."

Jia Zheng raised his head, looked into Sister Xiangxiang's eyes, and said gratefully: "Thank you, Sister Xiangxiang. Only you can understand my difficulties." Sister Xiangxiang smiled slightly and said softly: "Sir, don't worry, I will always be by your side and support you through the difficulties." Jia Zheng nodded with emotion, and a warm power surged in his heart.

As they were talking, the melodious sound of a zither came from outside the window. Jia Zheng listened attentively, an expression of ecstasy on his face.

"Who is playing this music?" Jia Zheng asked.

"She's our new musician. Her piano skills are incredible." Sister Xiangxiang replied.

Jia Zheng's heart stirred, and he ordered, "Call her in." A moment later, a beautiful woman entered the private room, carrying a guqin. Her eyes were as clear as water, like a spring, evoking a sense of tranquility. Her face was beautiful, like a blooming flower, exuding an enchanting fragrance. Her elegance and grace were extraordinary, like a fairy from an ancient scroll, a breathtaking sight.

Jia Zheng couldn't help but be attracted by her talent. His eyes lingered on her, admiring her beauty and grace. When she began to play, Jia Zheng listened attentively, lost in the world of music. When the song ended, Jia Zheng couldn't help but clap his hands and praise, "Beautiful song! Beautiful piano! May I know your name, young lady?"

Luqi smiled slightly, stood up lightly, and bowed to Jia Zheng, saying, "I am Luqi, your humble servant, and I pay my respects to you, sir." Her voice was as clear and pleasant as a yellow oriole singing in a valley, which made people intoxicated.

Jia Zheng smiled and nodded, then said to Luqi, "Miss Luqi, you are truly worthy of your name. Such a beautiful piece of music and superb qin skills are truly rare. This song should only exist in heaven, how many times can it be heard on earth?"

Seeing Jia Zheng so happy, Sister Xiangxiang hurried over and said to him, "If you like it, why not let Miss Luqi play a few more songs for you?" Jia Zheng was very happy to hear this, so he readily agreed.

Upon hearing this, Sister Xiangxiang's face lit up with joy, and she immediately said to Jia Zheng in a delicate voice, "Then I will arrange it for you, my lord. Please wait a moment." After that, Sister Xiangxiang turned to Luqi and instructed, "Luqi, you must serve me well and make sure I am satisfied with you."

Luqi nodded slightly to show that she understood, then stood up and walked to Jia Zheng, ready to play again.

Jia Zheng looked at Sister Xiangxiang, then at Luqi, a smile flashing in his eyes. He waved his hand and said to Sister Xiangxiang, "Xiangxiang, you go ahead and do your work! I'll be fine with Luqi here."

When Sister Xiangxiang heard what Jia Zheng said, she pretended to be disappointed and said, "Master, you really dislike me now that you have a new lover. Well, I won't be disliked here anymore. Luqi must serve Master Zheng well." After that, Sister Xiangxiang twisted her waist and left the room, looking back every few steps.

Jia Zheng sat upright in his seat, his expression calm as he gazed at Luqi. He was filled with anticipation and curiosity, as if he wanted to peer into her clear, watery eyes and glimpse into her inner world. At that moment, he couldn't help but think of his superior, the Minister of Personnel, a powerful figure. He knew that if he wanted to make a difference in the officialdom, he needed to have close associates among high-ranking officials.

Jia Zheng gazed at Luqi with a deep gaze, his eyes gleaming with wisdom. He thought to himself that if he could have the help of such a clever and resourceful woman, he would undoubtedly be even more powerful. As his thoughts raced, Luqi glided gracefully to the zither, sat down, and began to tune the strings. Her movements were graceful and flowing, like the natural rhythm of flowing clouds and water.

Jia Zheng looked at the elegant and refined Luqi before him, and a feeling welled up in his heart. This woman was so elegant, and her every move exuded a unique charm that captivated everyone. However, it was truly a pity that she was willing to perform in such a place of entertainment. Jia Zheng shook his head and sighed, a trace of regret in his eyes.

At this moment, Luqi had tuned her zither and gently placed her hands on the surface, preparing to play a tune. She raised her head slightly, looked at Jia Zheng, a faint smile on her lips, and asked softly, "What song would you like to hear, sir?" Jia Zheng smiled slightly and said softly, "Any song will do." Luqi nodded, "Okay." Then, with a flick of her finger, a beautiful and melodious melody suddenly echoed throughout the room.

"Since the beginning of time, who has been the lover? All of us are driven by the passion for love. Taking advantage of these helpless days, these sad days, these lonely times, let us try to dispel our foolish feelings."

Jia Zheng slowly closed his eyes and listened quietly to the melodious music played by Luqi. Each note flowed through his heart like a clear spring, carrying with it a deep emotion. He seemed to see a woman struggling, hesitating, in the whirlpool of emotions, unable to extricate herself. The helplessness and pain she felt were transmitted to him through the strings.

As the last note faded into the air, Jia Zheng slowly opened his eyes. He gazed at Luqi, his eyes filled with admiration. He whispered, "Young lady, your zither skills are truly superb and breathtaking. This piece of music is only found in heaven, how often can it be heard on earth?" Luqi blushed softly at Jia Zheng's praise. She lowered her head shyly and said softly, "Thank you for the compliment, sir. I am deeply honored." Jia Zheng smiled and waved his hand, motioning for Luqi to stand. He stared at her, his eyes glittering with curiosity. He suddenly asked, "Young lady, with your talent and beauty, you shouldn't have ended up like this. I wonder why you chose to perform here for a living?" Luqi was slightly startled by the question, then lowered her head and replied meekly, "Sir, I was sold here when I was young. I used to help my sisters in the backyard with their dressing and make-up. Now that I'm older, Sister Xiangxiang has arranged for me to play the zither upstairs to greet guests."