Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

When Lin Ruhai saw Wang Zisheng and his wife, he quickly put away the perverted look on his face, replaced it with a smiling face, walked forward quickly, bowed and said: "Ruhai greets brother Wang, and greets sister-in-law!" Wang Zisheng and his wife also hurriedly returned the greeting, smiling and said: "Hello, my dear brother!" After the two sides exchanged pleasantries, Lin Ruhai warmly invited them to come to the reserved room to take a seat, and ordered the servants to serve them fragrant tea.

After everyone was seated, Lin Ruhai said with emotion: "It's been many years since we last met, but Brother Wang is still as charming as ever. I'm very happy to meet you in Suzhou today." Wang Zisheng quickly waved his hand and said with a smile: "Thank you for the compliment, my dear brother. I came to Suzhou to accompany my wife and daughter to relax. I wanted to hand in a visiting card in a few days, but I didn't expect to meet you in Lingyin Temple. It's really fate." Lin Ruhai nodded to show his understanding, and then asked some questions about Wang Zisheng's recent situation.

Wang Zisheng briefly explained his situation and then turned the conversation to Lin Ruhai. He asked with concern, "How are you doing lately, my dear brother?" Lin Ruhai sighed slightly and replied with a serious expression, "To be honest, my dear brother, there have been some changes at home recently. My wife, Hu Tu, has returned to the Jia family in the capital, leaving behind a daughter. She is not in good health now, which is really worrying." Wang Zisheng expressed deep sympathy and comforted him, "Don't be too sad, my dear brother. Life and death are determined by fate, and wealth and honor are determined by God. I believe everything will gradually get better." Lin Ruhai nodded gratefully.

Lin Ruhai then changed the subject, smiling and saying to Wang Zisheng and his wife, "It's been many years since we last met. Now that Brother Wang is in Suzhou, I must treat you well. I'm hosting a dinner tonight. Please come and enjoy it." Wang Zisheng and his wife exchanged glances, wanting to decline, but seeing Lin Ruhai's hospitality, they couldn't refuse and agreed. Lin Ruhai was delighted and immediately ordered the preparations for the dinner.

As night fell and the lights came on, the city's nightscape was illuminated, as if it were daytime. The Lin Mansion's banquet hall was brightly lit, and bright candlelight reflected on the walls, casting a warm glow. The hall was filled with laughter and joy. People gathered together, enjoying sumptuous food and fine wine, and admiring wonderful song and dance performances.

Lin Ruhai, Wang Zisheng, and a group of friends and family gathered around a round table, toasting each other and chatting cheerfully. After three rounds of wine and five dishes, everyone was already feeling tipsy. At this moment, Wang Xifeng and Lady Wang left the banquet hall and went to chat with Lady Lin.

Wang Zisheng and Lin Ruhai remained in the banquet hall, their drinking becoming more and more intense, and the conversation deepened. Lin Ruhai, still drunk, looked at Wang Zisheng earnestly and said, "Brother Wang, I have a favor to ask of you."

Wang Zisheng was startled and wondered, "Is Lin Ruhai asking to borrow money?" But he replied generously, "Brother, please feel free to ask. As long as I can, I will do my best to help you."

Lin Ruhai smiled faintly and said softly, "I fell in love with your daughter, Wang Xifeng, at first sight. Today, I boldly ask you to betroth her to me. What do you think, my dear?"

After hearing this, Wang Zisheng was stunned. He didn't expect Lin Ruhai to make such a request, and for a moment he didn't know how to respond. He stared at Lin Ruhai with wide eyes, trying to find some clues from his expression. After a long silence, Wang Zisheng finally spoke. His voice was a little low, and seemed to carry some helplessness and worry: "Lin Ruhai, are you serious? Putting aside the fact that you are more than ten years older than Feng'er, based on the things that happened between you and the Jia family, I will never agree to this marriage!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Ruhai panicked and hurriedly explained, "Brother Wang, you should know my character best! Besides, I've already written a letter of divorce to the Jia family. Calculating the date, it should be delivered to the capital soon. As for the divorce, I've already written a secret memorial to His Majesty, explaining the reasons."

Wang Zisheng felt a little more at ease after hearing this, but his brows remained furrowed. After all, he was quite familiar with Lin Ruhai's character and family background; he was just a little surprised by this sudden proposal. He was silent for a long time before he slowly said, "Ruhai, this matter is too serious. I need to discuss it with my wife and also hear Feng'er's own opinion."

Upon hearing this, Lin Ruhai secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Although Wang Zisheng didn't agree immediately, at least he didn't refuse outright, which meant there was still a chance. Next, it would depend on whether he could win Xifeng's heart. Thinking of this, Lin Ruhai couldn't help but start looking forward to it. Lin Ruhai smiled and nodded, knowing that this matter really needed to be carefully considered. "Then I'll leave it to you, Brother Wang. I'm sincere to Sister Feng, and I hope you'll agree."

A few days later, in the Lin Mansion garden.

"Feng'er, what do you think of Lin Ruhai?" Wang Zisheng looked at his daughter lovingly.

Wang Xifeng blushed and lowered her head to fiddle with the corner of her clothes, "Daddy, your daughter... your daughter will obey you in everything."

Seeing his daughter's shy expression, Wang Zisheng understood. Well, Lin Ruhai was indeed a good candidate for a son-in-law.