Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

Wang Xifeng felt even more unhappy after hearing this. She frowned and angrily questioned Lin Ruhai, "Husband! How can you say that? The Jia family has already done this. Is there any need for us to go again? They are clearly bullying us!"

Lin Ruhai shook his head and smiled wryly as he tried to comfort Wang Xifeng, "Feng'er, I know you're angry. However, the Jia family is a large family, and they have close ties with our Lin family. If we openly reject their invitation, it might cause unnecessary disputes. Furthermore, we need to understand their true intentions so we can prepare for the next situation."

Wang Xifeng still refused to give up. She stared at Lin Ruhai with wide eyes and said firmly, "My husband, no matter what, I will not attend that banquet! What the Jia family did is simply an insult to us! I absolutely cannot tolerate it!"

Seeing Wang Xifeng's resolute attitude, Lin Ruhai stopped pushing her. He simply patted her hand and said gently, "Okay, Feng'er, don't be angry. I'll handle this matter. Don't worry, I won't let you suffer any injustice."

Wang Xifeng glanced at Lin Ruhai. The anger in her eyes gradually subsided, but a hint of displeasure remained on her face. After her expression softened slightly, she still pouted and looked reluctant. After a moment's reflection, she finally nodded, agreeing to Lin Ruhai's suggestion. However, she remained indignant in her heart, secretly resolving to show her prowess in the Jia Mansion and let the family know she was no pushover.

Seeing Xifeng's expression ease up a bit, Lin Ruhai said, "In that case, let's go to the Jia Mansion together the day after tomorrow, when I have a day off! Putting it off isn't a good idea, and it'll just make Feng'er work all day!" Lin Ruhai thought for a moment and decided to go. He knew that despite the Jia family's deception, they still had to go. This was the only way to completely sever ties. Although Xifeng was reluctant, it was her duty.

After agreeing on a date for the trip to the Jia residence, Xifeng, though reluctant, felt compelled to maintain the Lin family's reputation. She pouted, "Husband, what gifts should we bring?" She knew she couldn't leave empty-handed; she needed to prepare appropriate gifts to show respect. Lin Ruhai, after a moment's reflection, said, "We'll want something Southern-themed. It doesn't have to be expensive. We're not close relatives, and if Daiyu weren't there, there's no need to go." Lin Ruhai, fully aware of the Jia residence's extravagance, selected gifts that were Southern-themed but not overly expensive.

As the two discussed, Xifeng had Mammy write it down on the gift list. Every gift was carefully recorded to ensure nothing was missed. Once everything was finalized, Xifeng immediately sent Mammy to the storeroom with the list.

Immediately afterwards, Xifeng and Lin Ruhai discussed their attire for the day. Knowing that the Jia family, from master to servant, was snobbish, Xifeng naturally advocated for formal attire. She carefully considered every detail, from the clothing and jewelry to the hairstyle and makeup. Xifeng wanted to present herself at her best while also remaining worthy of the Lin family's status.

Xifeng and several maids were discussing the matter animatedly, and even felt that talking wasn't enough, so she took out the clothes and started selecting them one by one. She carefully compared the color, texture, and style of each piece, trying to find the perfect combination.

Lin Ruhai sat by, watching their heated discussion, completely bewildered. To him, the clothes and jewelry all looked the same. Aside from the material, which he could distinguish, he couldn't discern the difference in color or style. He didn't care much about these things; as long as they were presentable, they were fine.

Fortunately, Xifeng and the maids didn't seem to bother asking for his opinion, instead focusing on their own discussion. Lin Ruhai, on the other hand, preferred modesty and elegance, avoiding ostentation or extravagance. After a lively discussion, they finally settled on a costume that satisfied everyone.

While tidying herself up, Xifeng picked out some jewelry for her daughter Jiaojiao. She turned to the maid and said, "Send these to the young lady."

On the day of the visit, the three members of the Lin family dressed up beautifully, which was naturally Xifeng's idea.

Xifeng sat before the mirror, carefully preening herself. She donned a vibrant red round-necked dress embroidered with beautiful flowers, looking incredibly charming. She styled her hair into a beautiful bun, accessorized with a delicate hairpin, adding a touch of elegance. A touch of light makeup enhanced her features, brightening her eyes.

Old Madam Lin said: "Jiaojiao's outfit today is really eye-catching."

Look, "She flung her sleeves to reveal her fair little hands, with gold rings dangling from her wrists. A golden goblet hairpin adorned her hair, and a jade jewel adorned her waist. Pearls and jade shone brightly on her body, and coral and wood were hard to come by. Her silk dress fluttered like a fairy, her skirts dancing in the wind. She looked back, radiant with radiance, and let out a long whistle as fragrant as the fragrance of orchids."

Looking at his wife and daughter, Lin Ruhai couldn't help but feel proud.

Mrs. Lin looked at the clock. The minute hand had already pointed to a specific position. She knew that the time was almost up. She smiled and said to everyone, "Alright, alright, it's almost time. Hurry up and go. The sooner you go, the sooner you can come back!"

Lin Ruhai took Jingyu in one sedan chair, while Xifeng took Jiaojiao in another. The Jia and Lin residences were both located in the East City, and since ancient times, there has been a saying that "the east is noble and the west is rich", so the journey was not far, and they arrived in a quarter of an hour.

The sedan chair entered the gate and traveled an arrow's length before stopping just before turning a corner. The Lin family's sedan bearers were politely invited by the Jia family's servants to a side room for tea. Then, three or four well-dressed servants, about seventeen or eighteen years old, replaced the sedan chair and continued on their way.

The maids behind also dismounted and quickly rushed forward, standing on either side of their respective masters' sedans. The sedan came to a stop in front of a gate decorated with hanging flowers. The servants quietly withdrew, and the maids and servant girls stepped forward, raising the curtains and carefully helping Qingge and Daiyu out of the sedan.

Lin Ruhai and Jingyu had been taken to the main hall by Jia Lian and Jia Baoyu, where the male members of the Jia family had already been waiting.

Xifeng and Jiaojiao went to the backyard to pay their respects to Lady Jia.

Supported by the maid, the group slowly entered the hanging flower gate. Inside the gate, a winding corridor led to a spacious and bright hall. In the center stood a large marble screen with a rosewood frame, which looked particularly magnificent.

Passing through the screen, one emerges into a small three-room hall, with the main courtyard behind it. Looking up, the five upper rooms at the front are magnificently decorated with carved beams and painted buildings. In the side corridors, a variety of parrots, thrushes, and other birds hang in the side rooms, their incessant chirping adding a vibrant and energetic atmosphere to the courtyard.

A dense crowd of people had already formed on the steps of the stage. Xifeng glanced at the center, and saw an elderly woman with silver hair in the center. She must have been Grandmother Jia. She was dressed in a deep purple satin gown, intricately embroidered with patterns, and looked elegant and regal. Grandmother Jia had a kind smile on her face, and her eyes revealed a sense of majesty and wisdom.

Supporting Lady Jia on either side were two middle-aged women dressed like aristocrats. Xifeng guessed they were Lady Wang and Lady Xing. Lady Wang wore a light blue cheongsam embroidered with delicate chrysanthemums, giving her a fresh and refined look. She had a gentle smile on her face, and her eyes revealed kindness and compassion. Lady Xing wore a deep red cheongsam embroidered with vibrant peonies, giving her an air of wealth and opulence. She wore a cold smile, and her eyes revealed a shrewd and capable spirit.