Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

After hearing Luqi's words, Jia Zheng pondered for a moment and said, "You are truly pitiful! What are your plans for the future?" Luqi burst into tears and said, "Sir, why do you have to insult me like this? I, a slave, have no future." Jia Zheng hurriedly said, "Don't misunderstand me, young lady. I have no such intention. If you have any difficulties in the future, please come to me." Luqi burst into tears of gratitude and kowtowed to express her gratitude. When she raised her head, her face was full of smiles.

Luqi's heart wasn't as innocent as her outward appearance. Having grown up in a brothel, she had long since seen the world's twists and turns. She knew that if she wanted to escape her fate, she must find a man willing to redeem her before she could even entertain any guests. So, Luqi gently opened her cherry lips and said in a gentle voice, "Thank you for your kindness, sir. I have no way to repay you, so I can only offer you a dance." Then, she began to dance gracefully. Her movements were so graceful, her steps so light, she looked like a fairy descending to earth. Jia Zheng was mesmerized, and he couldn't help but marvel at the uniqueness of this woman.

After the dance, Luqi knelt again to thank Jia Zheng. Jia Zheng quickly helped her up, a look of pity in his eyes as he whispered, "You possess such remarkable talent, you shouldn't be buried here. If you trust me, I'll definitely find a better place for you in the future." A subtle cunning flickered in Luqi's eyes, but she feigned gratitude, saying, "I'm counting on you, sir." However, deep down, she was already plotting how to exploit this official to secure greater benefits and a brighter future for herself.

The affection between them burned like a flame, the love in their eyes growing stronger. Just then, a gruff male voice rang out from outside: "Have you heard all that gossip this morning?" Then, a slightly feminine voice responded: "Are you talking about those rumors about the Rongguo Mansion?" Another male voice chimed in: "What Rongguo Mansion? It's just a family of generals! This family is truly incompetent. Each thief and whore is more serious than the other. They're a disgrace to our ancestors!"

"I just heard Sister Xiangxiang say on the first floor that Jia Zheng is here too. How thick-skinned must he be to have the nerve to go out? He just wants a maid, so why not take her into the room and play with her however you want? Why make it known to the whole city?" The slightly feminine voice said with full of sarcasm: "And the so-called phoenix egg of their Jia family, isn't it said that it was born with jade and has an extraordinary destiny? How come it is now rumored that it is trying to steal a woman from me! And it's a pregnant woman. What do you think, should this child call Jia Zheng father or grandpa!" After that, everyone burst into laughter.

Upon hearing this, Jia Zheng's face instantly turned livid. He opened the door and glared at the joking men, unable to refute their words. Luqi lowered her head, secretly congratulating herself on the fact that her plan seemed to be going more smoothly. She gently tugged at Jia Zheng's sleeve and said softly, "Sir, don't argue with them. Let's go." Jia Zheng gritted his teeth, turned around, and led Luqi away from this embarrassing place. However, they had only taken a few steps when they heard more laughter and discussions behind them.

Jia Zheng's face darkened as he quickened his pace. Luqi followed cautiously behind him, a subtle glint of pride in her eyes.

Back at the Jia residence, Jia Zheng sat in silence in his study. Luqi brought him a cup of hot tea and softly asked, "Sir, please don't be angry. Those people are just jealous of your status and position. Don't pay attention to their gossip."

Jia Zheng looked up at Luqi, his heart moved. He slowly reached out and took Luqi's hand, "You're right, don't worry about what those people say. But..." He paused, "Why are you helping me so much?"

Luqi blushed and lowered her head shyly, "Sir, if you redeem me, you will be my master. I...I will certainly pledge my love to you."

Jia Zheng's heart softened, and he embraced Luqi in his arms, "Don't worry, I won't let you suffer any injustice." Just then, a commotion came from outside the door. Jia Zheng frowned and let go of Luqi, "Go out and see what's going on."

Luqi walked out of the study and saw a servant running towards her. "Master, this is bad! A group of people came outside and said they want to talk to you..."

Arriving at the front hall, he saw a group of people arguing fiercely with the servants. The scene was in chaos. Seeing this, Jia Zheng was furious. He strode forward and shouted, "Stop! Shut up!" This roar was like a thunderclap, shocking everyone and making them dare not speak again for a moment.

Jia Zheng's sharp eyes swept over the crowd, and he asked sternly, "What do you want to argue with me about?" His voice was filled with a hint of impatience.

At this moment, a leading man in the crowd stepped forward and said, "Sir, we are the stewards of Chunxiang Tower. Today, you redeemed the prostitute Luqi. Because you didn't have enough silver with you, you signed an IOU and asked me to come to your house to get the money." Jia Zheng's face darkened, remembering the incident, but he responded calmly, "Yes, it happened, so what?"

The man sneered, his tone full of sarcasm: "As an official, your Excellency should put honesty first, but now the accountant in your mansion told me that there is no money to pay your bill. Your Excellency, isn't it inappropriate for you to do this?" The man's words made Jia Zheng's face even uglier.

Jia Zheng slammed the table and stood up, pointing at the man and shouting, "Stop talking nonsense! How could I refuse to pay my debt?" He turned to the housekeeper and shouted, "Go, give the silver to these people!"