Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

In the Wutong Courtyard of the Lin family in the capital, the maid Baozhu respectfully entered, lifting the curtain and reporting to Xifeng, "Madam, the master's servant just came to tell you if you have risen. If you have, please move to the meeting room."

Xifeng watched the maid put the last earring on her. She examined it for a moment, then stood up and said, "Tell the master, I'll be right there."

Baozhu agreed and went out to answer the question. She lifted the door curtain and walked out with Xifeng surrounded by other maids.

When Xifeng arrived at the council hall, Lin Ruhai was talking with his two children.

When Jingyu and Jiaojiao saw Xifeng, they immediately stood up and saluted, then helped Xifeng sit on the chair to the right of Lin Ruhai, and sat below Xifeng themselves.

"Did Feng'er rest well? Are you feeling unwell?" Lin Ruhai asked with concern.

Xifeng smiled slightly and said, "Thank you for your concern, Master. I am doing fine."

Lin Ruhai nodded and continued, "I called you here today because I have something important to discuss with you."

Xifeng listened quietly without saying anything.

Lin Ruhai continued, "The conflict between the former emperor's eighth prince and the current emperor is becoming increasingly intense. The overt and covert struggles between them have reached a fever pitch, with both sides sparing no effort to gain more support and resources. As a member of the royalist faction, our Lin family has naturally been drawn into the conflict. This puts us under tremendous pressure and challenges. Therefore, we must remain vigilant and avoid conflicts or misunderstandings with either side as much as possible."

Xifeng frowned and replied firmly, "Rest assured, my husband. We will be extra careful. To ensure the safety and stability of our family, we will minimize our activities outside, especially during sensitive periods, and avoid any involvement in matters that might cause controversy. When you have nothing to do, stay home as much as possible to avoid unnecessary trouble."

Lin Ruhai sighed. He was fully aware of the severity of the situation, yet he was also filled with worry about the future. He lamented, "Yes, let's try to avoid these disputes! Although I've already pledged my allegiance to the current emperor, serving the emperor is like living with a tiger. Being at the center of power, every step must be taken with caution. Add to that the involvement of those unscrupulous members of the Jia family, and it's even more worrying!"

Xifeng turned her head, looked at Lin Ruhai gently, and comforted him softly: "Husband, don't worry too much. We just need to do our own part and do our best to protect the interests and reputation of the family. As for the rest, leave it to God." Her eyes revealed determination and trust, hoping to bring some comfort to Lin Ruhai.

At this moment, Jingyu, who had been silent the entire time, finally spoke. He looked at his parents seriously and said sincerely, "Father, Mother, there's something I'm not sure whether I should tell you or not."

Lin Ruhai nodded slightly, signaling him to continue. He knew his son must have something important to say.

Jingyu hesitated for a moment, then spoke, "Recently, I heard that Jia Zheng of the Duke of Rong's Mansion has somehow established a relationship with the Eighth Prince, and is now searching everywhere for rare treasures to present to the Eighth Prince to please him. We also have many precious items at home, and my eldest sister lives in the Jia family, so they will definitely come to claim them."

Xifeng's heart tightened when she heard this, and she quickly said, "Then what should we do? After all, this is Daiyu's home. If we don't give it to her, Daiyu will lose face in front of the Jia family."

Lin Ruhai pondered for a moment, then said, "It would be better to hide some of the treasures that are too eye-catching to avoid unnecessary trouble."

Jiaojiao interrupted, "Father is right. We also need to keep those calligraphy and antiques."

Xifeng nodded and said in agreement, "You are very thoughtful. I will arrange it right away." After that, she called Baozhu over and whispered a few words to her.

After Baozhu left, Xifeng said to Lin Ruhai, "Master, this matter is of great importance and requires careful consideration. We must not only protect our own property, but also be cautious."

Afterwards, everyone discussed some family matters and then dispersed.

After everyone had left, Lin Ruhai handed her an invitation card that was on the table. "What do you think, Feng'er?"

Xifeng took the invitation in confusion. The Lin family had only been in the capital for a short time and had not been active there. Who was so eager to send the invitation on the same day without any regard for etiquette?

When she saw the contents of the invitation, she couldn't help but smile playfully.

This is really the style of this family, they won't do anything without profit...

Xifeng took a quick look at the invitation. The content was concise and clear, and the general meaning was: Knowing that Lin Ruhai has been promoted to Beijing, the Jia family expresses their honor.

The old lady said that Lin Ruhai had not seen his eldest daughter for a year or two and was worried that Lin Ruhai missed her very much.

Tomorrow, the Jia family will hold a banquet to entertain Lin Ruhai, and Lin Ruhai is invited to bring Wang Xifeng and his children to the banquet.

Although Xifeng had seen many people who curry favor with the powerful in her previous life, there were very few who were as shameless as the Jia family.

She wondered in her heart what the Jia family was planning.

Is he simply trying to curry favor with Lin Ruhai, or does he have other intentions?

Xifeng sneered in her heart, no matter what they planned, she would not let them succeed.

In reality, ever since Xifeng married into the Lin family, the Jia family and the Lin family had severed ties, and relations between the two families had gradually become estranged. Three years earlier, Lin Ruhai received a letter from Jia Zheng, informing him of Baoyu and Daiyu's engagement. He immediately sent for Daiyu to explain the pros and cons, but she ignored him. Lin Ruhai, reluctantly, left a generous dowry and never again questioned the matter. Although displeased, Jia Mu remained silent. This was because she understood that despite Lin Ruhai's youth, he held a distinguished position and a strong family background. More importantly, her eldest daughter bore the blood of the Jia family! Whatever Jia Min's shortcomings, she had spent over a decade with Lin Ruhai; and Daiyu, despite her flaws, was Lin Ruhai's own flesh and blood. Therefore, Jia Mu was convinced that if Jia Min humbled herself and approached Lin Ruhai for help, he would, mindful of their past friendship, lend a helping hand.