Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

One day, Jia Lian was studying in his study when Zhang Ying walked in with a smile on his face. Seeing Jia Lian, he immediately said, "Lian'er, your uncle will take you to meet someone in a few days." Upon hearing this, Jia Lian's heart was filled with joy, but he remained calm on the surface and asked slowly, "Oh? Who is your uncle taking me to meet? You look so happy, it must be someone extraordinary." Zhang Ying's face was filled with smiles as he replied, "The former Salt Inspector Lin Ruhai. You should have met him too."

Jia Lian felt a mixture of joy and a touch of awkwardness when he heard the name. Joy that their father-son plan was finally coming to fruition, but awkwardness stemmed from his behavior during the Suzhou trip. He'd been so absorbed in pleasure that he might have left Lin Ruhai with the impression of a playboy. Feeling a little embarrassed, Jia Lian whispered, "Uncle, I once met Lord Lin in Suzhou. Back then, I was young and frivolous, focused on pleasure, and I'm afraid I left a bad impression on Lord Lin." He lowered his head unconsciously.

Zhang Ying patted Jia Lian on the shoulder and comforted him, "It's okay. It's normal for young people to like to play. This meeting is a good opportunity to change Lin Ruhai's opinion of you. You just need to show your true talent and character, and I believe he will look at you with admiration." After hearing this, Jia Lian felt a little relieved.

Under Wang Xifeng's covert protection, the Lin family arrived safely in Jizhou, just a few days' journey from the capital. Meanwhile, far away in Jinling, Master Zhen of the Zhen family sat in the center of the main courtyard, furious. "You bunch of useless people! You can't even handle such a trivial matter! What's the point of keeping you?" He angrily slammed his teacup to the ground.

The butler was so frightened that he immediately knelt and begged for mercy: "Master, please calm down and forgive my incompetence. However, I will do everything in my power to eliminate Lin Ruhai and his family." The butler's eyes rolled, and an idea suddenly occurred to him: "Master, I heard that Lin Ruhai's eldest daughter is already ten years old. If we can marry her into our Zhen family, then Lin Ruhai will have to bow to us in everything for the sake of his daughter."

Master Zhen stroked his beard, a shrewd look flashing in his eyes as he nodded, "This is a brilliant plan! But I heard that this woman is now living in the Rongguo Mansion in the capital, with the Jia family's phoenix egg, which was born from jade. Her reputation is not good."

The housekeeper quickly explained, "Master, these are just rumors and may not be credible. Besides, as long as our Zhen family is willing to marry her, these rumors will naturally disappear." Master Zhen pondered for a moment and said, "Okay, you should first inquire about the details of this woman. If she is suitable, we will arrange a blind date as soon as possible."

After receiving the instructions, the housekeeper immediately took action. He began to inquire about Lin Daiyu's news and began to prepare for a blind date. At the same time, Lin Ruhai and his family were about to arrive in the capital, and their fate was about to take a major turn...

At that moment, a servant came running in, breathlessly reporting to Master Zhen, "Master, my mistress asked me to tell you that the prefect has arrived and is waiting in the front hall." Master Zhen was struck by this, wondering why the prefect would suddenly visit. He glanced at the butler next to him, then stood up and said, "Let's go to the front hall." The butler responded and followed Master Zhen into the front hall.

When the two men arrived at the front hall, they found the Jinling prefect sitting there leisurely sipping tea. Noticing Master Zhen's arrival, the prefect quickly stood up and saluted, smiling, "Master Zhen, long time no see! I apologize for the inconvenience of visiting you today." Master Zhen smiled back, saying, "Your Excellency, Master, you are very polite. I wonder what brings you here today?" After exchanging pleasantries, the two men got down to business.

It turned out that the Jinling prefect had come to visit regarding Zhen Baoyu. Zhen Youdao had a son named Zhen Baoyu, who, despite his exceptional talent, was rebellious and undisciplined. Recently, Zhen Baoyu had been causing some trouble outside, causing quite a stir. Upon learning of this, the Jinling prefect felt it necessary to remind Master Zhen to keep him under strict control to prevent further trouble.

The Jinling prefect's face was solemn, and he spoke to Lord Zhen in a serious tone, "Lord Zhen, I shouldn't have come to disturb you, but today's incident has such a huge impact that I have to come. Your son, Zhen Baoyu, has caused great trouble outside. Not only has he injured others, but he has also caused a lot of gossip among the people. If he is not restrained, I am afraid there will be even greater trouble in the future."

Today, while playing in the street, the young master saw a man harassing a woman. However, the woman had already been purchased by a man named Feng Yuan, who vowed to marry her in a sedan chair carried by eight men. The young master, not questioning the reason, insisted on taking the woman away. Feng Yuan refused to yield, so Master Zhen ordered his men to beat him half to death. Had it not been for the timely intervention of Wang Zisheng, the eldest master of the Wang family, Feng Yuan would have likely perished.

Master Zhen frowned, feeling somewhat displeased. He knew his son was stubborn, but he had never imagined he would get into such trouble. After a moment's contemplation, he said to the Jinling prefect, "Thank you for your reminder, Prefect. I will definitely discipline Baoyu and prevent him from causing trouble again."

After sending away the Jinling prefect, Mr. Zhen returned to his room and called Zhen Baoyu.

"Kneel down!" Master Zhen said sternly.

Zhen Baoyu was shocked, but he still knelt down obediently.

"Do you know your mistake?" Master Zhen glared at him.

Zhen Baoyu lowered his head and said nothing.

"How dare you beat others and abduct a woman in the street today? Do you still respect the law?" Master Zhen was so angry that he was shaking all over.

Zhen Baoyu raised his head and retorted, "That woman didn't want to marry Feng Yuan in the first place. I was just helping her."

"Nonsense! Marriage is such an important matter, how can you treat it as a joke!" Master Zhen slammed the table and said, "From today on, you are confined to your home and are not allowed to take a single step out!" After saying that, Master Zhen turned and left, leaving Zhen Baoyu kneeling there with an unwilling look on his face.

Zhen Baoyu was dissatisfied with Wenyan, but he had no choice but to accept it. For several days after that, Zhen Baoyu was trapped at home with nothing to do. He sighed all day long and felt very depressed.

One day, Zhen Baoyu was reading in his study when he heard laughter outside his window. Curious, he walked to the window and saw a group of maids playing in the yard. One of the maids was so beautiful that Zhen Baoyu couldn't help but take a few more glances.

At this time, the maid also noticed Zhen Baoyu, and their eyes met, and Zhen Baoyu blushed and his heart beat fast. He turned away in a hurry, but could not help but look back.

From then on, Zhen Baoyu often thought of the maid, and gradually developed a strange feeling in his heart. And the maid seemed to be interested in Zhen Baoyu as well, and would shyly lower her head every time she saw him.

In the evening, the setting sun cast its afterglow through the window, tinting the room with a golden glow. While his family wasn't noticing, Zhen Baoyu quietly pulled out a small, treasured sketchbook from a drawer. He carefully flipped open the pages, his heart racing at the exquisite illustrations and delicate lines. The paintings, brimming with life, depicted beautiful landscapes and figures, each one captivating Zhen Baoyu. However, when he looked at one page, his face suddenly flushed, and his body trembled uncontrollably. The painting depicted an incredibly alluring woman, her figure graceful and her eyes captivating, inviting him to approach. Zhen Baoyu's eyes fixed on the painting, a surge of desire welling up within him. Just then, his personal maid entered, ready to tuck him under the covers. Startled by the sudden noise, Zhen Baoyu jumped and frantically hid the sketchbook behind him. "Master, it's time to rest," the maid said gently, then stepped forward and began to help him make his bed. Zhen Baoyu looked at her awkwardly, unsure how to explain his actions. "Hmm... OK," he whispered, trying to mask his inner unease. After making the bed, the maid turned to leave. Zhen Baoyu watched her retreating figure, a sudden pang of reluctance rising in his heart. "Wait..." he hesitated, finally summoning the courage to call her. The maid paused, turned around, and looked at him in confusion. "What's wrong, Master? Do you...do you find me strange when you see me today?" Zhen Baoyu stammered, a hint of nervousness crossing his face. The maid blushed and shook her head, softly replying, "Master, you've always been like this." Zhen Baoyu felt a sudden sense of relief. The corners of his mouth curled up slightly, revealing a subtle smile. "So...do you like me?" he asked tentatively, his eyes glimmering with anticipation. The maid's face instantly turned even redder. She lowered her head, not daring to meet his gaze. "Master, please stop joking..." she whispered, a hint of shyness in her tone.

Before she could finish her words, Zhen Baoyu dragged the maid onto the bed like a frightened deer. He eagerly cried, "Sister, please help me!" He then held out the book as if offering a treasure. The maid's face instantly flushed like a ripe apple, and she pleaded coquettishly, "Master, I'll help you." And so, like mandarin ducks embracing each other, they began their blushing, ear-splitting lovemaking, following the book's instructions. For the entire night, the room was filled with their low moans and panting, like a captivating nocturne.