Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

Zhang Ying stared at Jia Lian intently and spoke slowly, "I heard from Ruhai that you're interested in seeking a practical official position to hone your skills. That's a good idea. However, you've never held a formal official position, and your studies are rather disorganized, so it's premature. Fortunately, you're tactful and well-versed in the ways of the world. And while I was tutoring you, I discovered you have a keen interest in military knowledge. Since you mentioned wanting to become an official, what are your thoughts on the subject?"

Jia Lian knew he couldn't easily reveal his true intentions, so he replied respectfully, "My nephew knows very little about court affairs, so I need to rely on my uncle and Lord Lin to make decisions for me!"

Zhang Ying nodded slightly, turned to look at Lin Ruhai, and asked, "Ruhai, you are now in charge of the Ministry of Personnel. What are your thoughts on this matter?"

Lin Ruhai pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Among the six ministries, I'm in charge of the Ministry of Personnel, and my wife's uncle, Wang Ziteng, is an important figure in the military, serving as the Governor-General of Shaanxi and Gansu. So, Lian'er, which department do you think you'd be better suited to?"

Upon hearing this question, Jia Lian fell into deep thought. He knew this was an important choice that required careful consideration. He reflected on his experience and abilities, trying to find the department that best suited him. At the same time, he understood that this decision could affect his future career and the status of his family.

After a while, Jia Lian raised his head, looked at Lin Ruhai and Zhang Ying, and answered seriously: "Uncle, Lord Lin, I want to be sent out, away from the Jia family."

Zhang Ying and Lin Ruhai exchanged a glance, a hint of satisfaction in their eyes. They had discussed this matter beforehand and agreed that, given the current circumstances, sending Jia Lian away from the capital was the best option. This would allow him to gain experience while avoiding conflict with the Jia family. If all went well, Jia Lian could be transferred back to the capital after his term ended. By then, he would have acquired sufficient experience and skills to secure a seat at court.

Lin Ruhai nodded slightly and said appreciatively, "Well, Jia Lian, it's truly remarkable that you have such awareness. Although being sent abroad is hard, it's also a form of training and opportunity. As long as you work hard and accumulate experience, I believe you will achieve something."

Zhang Ying also agreed, "Jia Lian, go ahead and do it. We will support you from behind. If you have any difficulties, please let us know."

Jia Lian nodded gratefully, expressing his gratitude for the care and support of the two elders. Lin Ruhai then said, "Lian'er, you're twenty-two this year, right? Has your family arranged a marriage for you?" Jia Lian paused for a moment and said, "No." Lin Ruhai turned to Zhang Ying and said, "They say getting married first comes before building a career. Does my brother have anyone suitable?" Zhang Ying, not one to be so reserved, turned and asked Jia Lian, "What kind of girl would Lian'er like?" Jia Lian blushed slightly, lowered his head, and after a moment's contemplation, replied, "I'm looking for a gentle, kind, and well-educated woman. Appearance is secondary; a good personality is paramount." Zhang Ying nodded, already having some ideas in mind. He thought to himself that Jia Lian, such an outstanding man, truly needed a virtuous woman by his side.

A few days later, Zhang Ying and Jia She met at the Zhang residence to discuss Jia Lian's marriage. After careful selection and weighing the pros and cons, they ultimately chose the eldest daughter of a fifth-rank official in the Ministry of Works as Jia Lian's wife. This woman's mother had died young, and her father's subsequent marriage had shown indifference, leaving her past the prime age for marriage. However, Zhang Ying's wife had once met this woman at a banquet and was deeply impressed. She was not only beautiful but also thoughtful, resourceful, and, most importantly, possessed a formidable character.

Since Jia Lian was eager to be exiled, Jia She hurried to Lady Jia's courtyard that day and informed Lady Jia of the matter. Lady Jia had never paid much attention to the first wife, so when she learned that Jia She was planning to marry Jia Lian to the daughter of a fifth-rank official, she readily agreed without even a second thought.

Grandmother Jia nodded in agreement to the marriage, and the two families began to prepare for the wedding. Finally, the wedding day arrived, and the Jia family was filled with joy and excitement.

On their wedding night, Jia Lian lifted the bride's red veil with great anticipation. The sight before him captivated him. Her face was beautiful, as fresh and refined as a lotus flower emerging from the water, and her clear, moving eyes seemed to see through people's hearts. Jia Lian was secretly delighted, and his satisfaction with his bride grew. The bride, shyly raising her head, gazed upon Jia Lian's handsome face, her face flushed, her heart filled with joy and anticipation.

After the marriage, Jia Lian took his new wife to the northwest. He worked hard outside, while his wife took care of the housework at home and kept everything in order.