Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

After returning to her room, Fenzhu lay gently on the bed like a delicate flower, her mind resonating with Jia Lian's words. The next morning, Fenzhu deliberately dusted a layer of delicate perfumed powder on her face, as white as mutton-fat jade, and pinned a snow-white velvet flower on each temple, which only accentuated her pale complexion, making her look like a willow swaying in the wind, endearing and endearing.

Having learned that Jia Zheng would be returning home to pay his respects to the old lady that day, she arrived at Rongxi Hall early. Fenzhu sat quietly, her beautiful eyes fixed on the doorway, like a nimble deer, eagerly awaiting the appearance of a familiar figure. Finally, upon catching sight of the familiar figure, she hurriedly stood up, picked up the basin, and, feigning nonchalance, deliberately bumped into it. The water from the basin spilled onto the ground, soaking Jia Zheng's clothes. Confronted with the magnitude of her mistake, Fenzhu quickly knelt, uttering a sincere apology.

Jia Zheng looked down and saw that Fenzhu's face was as pale as paper, and her waist was so slender that it seemed like it could be broken by the wind. He couldn't help but say with heartache: "Qi'er, you have suffered. The ground is cold. Get up quickly." As he said that, he stretched out his hand and gently helped Fenzhu up.

Fenzhu pretended to be frightened, with fear and helplessness flashing in her eyes. She said softly in a trembling voice, "Sir, your clothes are wet. Let me take you to change into dry clothes." Her eyes were full of concern and worry, as if she was really worried that he would catch a cold and get sick.

Inside the room, Jia Zheng stared intently at Luqi, his brow furrowed slightly as he asked in confusion, "Qi'er, why are you ignoring me? Do you have any complaints against me?" His tone held a hint of authority, yet it also revealed his concern and care for Luqi. Hearing Jia Zheng's question, Luqi quickly knelt, tears welling in her eyes. She replied pitifully, "Sir, how dare I blame you? You are my heaven, my earth, my savior, a deity who has descended upon me. But now, I am a fallen woman, unworthy of you..."

Upon hearing Fenzhu's words, Jia Zheng's face showed surprise and doubt. He quickly helped Fenzhu up and pressed, "Qi'er, you are a fallen woman, has anyone bullied you?" His eyes were sharp and serious, as if he wanted to see through Fenzhu's appearance to the truth. Fenzhu shook her head gently, looked at Jia Zheng with tears in her eyes, and whispered, "The old lady and the lady have been very kind to me. No one has ever bullied me. It's just that I was greedy and accidentally drank the sterilization medicine." Her voice was low and sad, as if she was filled with endless grievances and helplessness. The tears welled up in her eyes, almost falling, like pear blossoms in the rain, which was very endearing. Jia Zheng held Fenzhu tightly in his arms. There was no anger or heartache in his eyes, but instead a hint of excitement that was hard to conceal. He thought to himself, "It's good to be unable to bear children! If I can't have children, no one will notice or criticize me."

Jia Zheng knew full well that this was the old lady's courtyard, and he couldn't afford to show any offense or disrespect. Cautiously, he leaned close to Fenzhu's ear and whispered in a low, gentle voice, "Qi'er, I'll send someone to see you tonight, okay?" His eyes revealed a hint of anticipation and longing. However, this scene was perfectly observed by the maids and servants standing outside the door. Their eyes widened with astonishment, their mouths gaping as if they could fit an egg. They couldn't believe what they were witnessing—Jia Zheng was openly flirting with his mother's maid in his own courtyard, behaving so ambiguously! This was sheer treason, they muttered to themselves! If word got out, it would surely cause a huge uproar. The maids and servants quickly lowered their heads, pretending not to notice, and hurriedly left the scene.

As night fell, Jia Zheng's confidant Li Zongguan quietly came to Fanzhu's residence.

"Miss, the master asked me to pick you up," Steward Li whispered. Fenzhu hesitated for a moment, but quickly fixed her makeup and followed Steward Li out of the room.

The two walked through the silent corridor, their footsteps echoing in the air, as if every step was stepping on Fenzhu's heartstrings. Finally, they arrived at the door of Jia Zheng's study.

Jia Zheng was standing with his hands behind his back. In the candlelight, his figure seemed even taller and more majestic. Fenzhu couldn't help but feel a sense of awe.

"Qi'er, do you know why I called you here?" Jia Zheng's voice was low and powerful, full of majesty.

Fenzhu knelt on the ground, lowered her head and said softly: "I don't know, please tell me clearly, Master."

Jia Zheng slowly walked up to Fenzhu, stretched out his finger and gently lifted her chin, so that her eyes met his. His eyes were deep and sharp, as if they could penetrate Fenzhu's heart.

"From now on, you are mine. I will give you wealth and honor as long as you are obedient." Jia Zheng's voice revealed an unquestionable tone, as well as a possessiveness.

Fenzhu felt a little reluctant. She couldn't help but secretly glance up at Jia Zheng. Seeing his aged face and slightly plump figure, and remembering Jia Lian's handsome face... her heart was filled with emotion. But she quickly lowered her head, not daring to look at Jia Zheng again. She nodded slightly, indicating her willingness to follow Jia Zheng's instructions.

"My lord, I am very happy that you remember me, but I cannot serve you today..." She said with a blushing face and lowered her head.

Jia Zheng frowned, a hint of displeasure crossing his face. However, he did not lose his temper. He simply said, "In that case, you can go down first. Remember, I will not treat you unfairly." After that, he waved his hand, signaling Fenzhu to leave.

Fenzhu stood up with a sense of relief, bowed to Jia Zheng, and turned to leave. When she stepped out of the room, she breathed a sigh of relief and then left in a hurry.