Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

As Jia Lian watched the maids and servants in the mansion being examined, he suddenly felt a surge of anger and realization. He realized that if he didn't quickly find a way to escape this filthy place, he would rot and stink.

He knew full well that his second uncle, Jia Zheng, was a hypocrite, appearing to be a gentleman but actually indulging in sensual pleasures and playing with women. Jia Lian vividly recalled an experience from his childhood. On that occasion, he had been severely reprimanded by his father, Jia She, for his mischievous behavior. Dejected, he secretly hid behind a rockery in the garden, weeping silently. Exhausted, he eventually fell asleep beside the rockery.

However, half asleep and half awake, Jia Lian faintly heard a strange sound. Driven by curiosity, he cautiously poked his head out to look. The scene before him shocked him deeply—his second uncle, Jia Zheng, was naked with a woman, engaging in unspeakable behavior. This scene was deeply seared into Jia Lian's memory, leaving a lasting shadow in his heart.

Jia Lian frowned and sat on a chair with a worried look on his face, thinking about the things in the mansion and feeling very irritated. Just as he was lost in thought, the door was suddenly pushed open and Jia She walked in. Jia She looked at his son and asked with a hint of concern in his tone: "Lian'er, are you worried about the things caused by your second uncle?" After hearing this, Jia Lian's face showed worry, and he sighed and said: "Father, I originally planned to find other maids with the same disease to prove Jia Zheng's greed and lust, but when I saw the current situation in the mansion, my heart was really upset. Is the dignified Duke's Mansion going to decline like this?"

Seeing his son so dejected, Jia She felt a rare surge of fatherly love. He walked over to Jia Lian, patted him gently on the back, and said lovingly, "Lian'er, have you ever considered inheriting this title? If so, your father can help you. Perhaps you don't know, but my courtesy name, 'Marquis En,' was bestowed upon me by the late Emperor. If I hadn't been so disheartened after the passing of your mother and brother, and hadn't paid any attention to the slander against my reputation by the old lady and Wang Shi, I'm afraid I would have already become a marquis."

After hearing his father's words, Jia Lian's eyes flickered with hope, but then dimmed again. He knew that restoring the Jia family to its former glory was something to be proud of, but right now, saving his life was the most important thing.

"Father, even if you can help me get this title, I will only be a first-class general when I inherit it, which will not change the current situation of the Jia family. What we need is not just a title, but also to stay away from this den of tigers and wolves." Jia Lian said in a firm tone.

Jia She nodded slightly. He understood his son's concerns. But he already had a plan in mind. As long as his son was willing to cooperate, he believed that the Jia family would be able to rise again.

"Father, we must come up with a complete plan. Now in this mansion, grandmother is obsessed with happiness, the wife only knows how to flatter Lady Jia, and there is also Lady Wang as the housekeeper. We men don't have any real power at all." Jia Lian analyzed.

Jia She frowned, thought for a moment, and then said, "Lian'er, you are right. These problems do exist in the mansion. However, if we want to revive the Jia Mansion, we must first resolve internal conflicts and strive for more power and resources. Secondly, we must find new sources of funds to support the daily expenses of the Jia Mansion. In addition, we must strengthen our connections with the outside world and enhance the influence of the Jia Mansion."

Jia Lian listened to his father's words and thought they made sense, so he asked, "Father, what should we do?"

Jia She smiled and replied, "Lian'er, don't worry. We can start from the following aspects. First, communicate well with the old lady and the mistress to get their support for our ideas. Second, find some reliable partners to jointly manage the Jia family's industries. Third, participate in more social activities and make friends with more powerful people. Fourth, cultivate your own power and improve your status in the family. Finally, and most importantly, keep a low profile and don't attract other people's attention."

Jia Lian was a bit skeptical after hearing his father's advice. He thought these methods were too conservative and unlikely to be effective in a short period of time. But he also understood that under the current circumstances, they could only move forward step by step. So he nodded, agreeing with his father's opinion.

Seeing that Jia Lian agreed, Jia She was delighted and continued, "Lian'er, there is one more thing you need to pay attention to. Although the mansion seems calm on the surface, there are actually undercurrents. Especially that Lady Wang. She relies on the old lady's favor to act arrogantly in the mansion and does not take us men seriously. You must deal with her carefully and do not confront her head-on."

Jia Lian, hearing his father's words, recalled Lady Wang's usual behavior and felt a surge of anger. However, he suppressed his unhappiness and replied, "Don't worry, father. I will handle this carefully."

Jia She patted Jia Lian on the shoulder and encouraged him, "Okay, Lian'er, I believe you can do it. As long as father and son work together, our own Jia family will surely regain its glory one day!"

Jia She looked at Jia Lian with appreciation, and was secretly pleased in his heart. He felt that the child had indeed made some progress recently, and that his careful teaching and training had not been in vain.

"Lian'er, do you know who the current Salt Inspector is?" Jia She suddenly asked.

Jia Lian quickly replied, "Of course, my son knows. This Salt Inspector Lin Ruhai was a top scholar in the imperial examination during the reign of the previous emperor. He is deeply trusted by the current emperor, and he is also my former uncle."

Jia She smiled slightly, then lowered his voice and said, "I have some friendship with Lin Ruhai. If we can get his help, our family can not only break free from the constraints of the Jia Mansion, but also have the opportunity to be sent out to serve as a minor official."

When Jia Lian heard this, his eyes suddenly lit up, and he immediately understood his father's intention. However, he couldn't help but frown, thinking about how to meet Lin Ruhai.

Jia She seemed to see through Jia Lian's thoughts and slowly said, "I just received news that Lin Ruhai will arrive in the capital soon and may be appointed as the Minister of Personnel."

After hearing this, Jia Lian's face showed a hint of joy, but soon turned to worry: "But father, our family and the Lin family have no dealings for a long time. How can we establish this relationship?"

Jia She pondered for a moment, then said softly: "This matter requires long-term consideration and cannot be rushed. We can first learn about Lin Ruhai's situation through other channels, and then find a way to approach him."

Jia Lian nodded, indicating that he understood. He knew that this matter was of great importance and must be handled with caution. Thus, the father and son began to discuss a specific plan of action, hoping to successfully connect with Lin Ruhai and secure a stable future for the family.

Jia She smiled confidently, patted Jia Lian's shoulder gently and said, "Lian'er, don't worry. Your father has a good plan to deal with this matter. You just need to follow my instructions..." As he said that, he put his mouth close to Jia Lian's ear and whispered a few words.

After listening to this, Jia Lian's originally sad expression gradually turned into joy. He nodded repeatedly and said, "Father, your plan is really brilliant! I understand. I will handle this matter immediately." After that, he hurriedly left the room and began to prepare for the follow-up matters.

Jia She watched Jia Lian depart, his eyes tinged with anticipation and nervousness. He silently prayed that this plan would go smoothly and successfully rescue Jia Lian from his predicament. After all, Jia Lian's future depended on this move. Only then could their Jia family continue to prosper, free from outside interference and threats.