Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

Xifeng looked at her beautiful cousin, her mind racing. She recalled how Xue Baochai had been eliminated from the imperial selection in her previous life because Xue Pan had killed someone. Then, looking at her cousin before her, her beauty and talent captivated her. Xifeng knew the cruelty and complexity of the imperial selection process, and that it wasn't something anyone could easily enter.

She smiled and said to Aunt Xue, "Aunt, you should know that this selection has strict regulations. Only the daughters of the noble families of important officials in the court are eligible to participate. Although Sister Baochai is very outstanding, the Xue family is after all from a merchant family, and their status is limited! Therefore, I am afraid that this selection to enter the palace will not be easy to handle."

Aunt Xue's expression changed slightly upon hearing this, clearly touched by Xifeng's words. But she quickly adjusted her expression and smiled. "Feng girl is right. The palace rules are indeed difficult to break. However, we can't force her. It's just that this child is determined to enter the palace, and I really can't bear to dampen her enthusiasm. So I thought that if she could pass the selection and become the princess's tutor, it would be a chance to see the world."

Xifeng understood that the Xue family mother and daughter were determined to enter the palace, so she comforted them, saying, "Don't worry too much, Auntie. Sister Baochai is so beautiful and intelligent. I'm sure she will get what she wants." She hoped these words would give them some confidence and comfort. Mrs. Wang Zisheng chimed in, "Yes, Second Sister, this child is so outstanding. There's no need to worry about not having a bright future!"

Xifeng knew that the Xue family mother and daughter's ambition was to become imperial concubines: they believed that Xue Baochai, with her good looks and talent, could easily become a tutor to the princess or a maid to the emperor. They were confident that Xue Baochai's character and appearance would ensure their dreams came true; if not, even if she was rejected in the final round, she could still use this experience to find a good marriage. For the Xue family mother and daughter, Jia Baoyu was their last resort.

Although the Jia Mansion was declining, it was still a Duke's Mansion after all, and a lean camel was bigger than a horse. Furthermore, Mrs. Jia loved Jia Baoyu very much, and he had a sister, the Imperial Concubine, who was his half-sister. As long as he worked hard, his future wouldn't be too bad.

Xifeng thought to herself: "The mother and daughter of the Xue family really have a good plan! It's a pity that Baoyu's heart is not with Xue Baochai." She glanced at Xue Baochai and saw that she was smiling, but her eyes revealed a hint of imperceptible determination.

Aunt Xue smiled and said, "I think so too. My Bao'er has been smart and clever since he was a child. He is countless times smarter than his useless brother. He is proficient in everything from music, chess, calligraphy and painting. If he can catch the eye of the royal family, it will be a blessing for our Xue family!"

At this moment, Xue Baochai suddenly interrupted, "Sister Feng, I wonder if the young lady of the Lin family will participate in this selection? I hit it off with Pin'er when I met her at my aunt's house." Wang Xifeng's brows twitched slightly when she heard this, and she asked, "Cousin Baochai, who is the Pin'er you are talking about?" Xue Baochai's face froze slightly after hearing this, but she quickly recovered and said, "Oh, it's Daiyu. I saw Baoyu call her that..." Wang Xifeng ignored her and continued to speak to herself, "Daiyu is still young. I'm afraid she won't be able to make it to this selection. She will have to wait until the next one. However, our Lin family has never had the practice of allowing women to seek family wealth through selection. I guess she will apply for exemption!"

After hearing this, Xue Baochai's eyes flashed with displeasure, and she felt extremely unbalanced. The selection of concubines that she had been pursuing was not taken seriously by the Lin family. She quickly adjusted her expression and said with a smile: "Lord Lin is already a first-rank official and an important official of the court. It is natural for him to apply for exemption from the selection. Sister Feng, when I was in Jinling, I heard that Daiyu had been adopted out. I don't know if this is true." Xifeng didn't like Xue Baochai very much in her previous life. Now, hearing her such an inappropriate question, a feeling of displeasure suddenly surged in her heart. She frowned slightly and said in a firm tone: "Cousin Baochai, whether Daiyu was adopted out or not, she is always the daughter of the Lin family. This is an unchangeable fact. As relatives, we should respect her identity and family background."

Xifeng knew that although Lin Daiyu had numerous ties to the Jia family, she was, after all, Lin Ruhai's biological daughter. Adoption or not, could not alter her blood relationship with the Lin family. Furthermore, no matter how difficult their relationship with Lin Daiyu was, it was an internal conflict, a family matter that they absolutely would not allow outsiders to meddle in or make irresponsible remarks.

Xifeng's words caused everyone present to fall silent, realizing that their discussion had gone too far. Xue Baochai's face changed slightly, realizing that her question had displeased Xifeng. However, she didn't show any embarrassment, simply nodding slightly to indicate her acceptance of Xifeng's statement.

Aunt Xue then said sternly, "Feng girl, you are Baochai's cousin. It's just a word, is there any need to make a fuss about it? Lin Ruhai is now influential in the court. Can you help your cousin get in through some connections so that she can enter the palace smoothly? Your cousin will definitely not forget your kindness when she becomes successful in the future!" After saying this, both pairs of eyes turned to Xifeng. Xifeng said helplessly, "Aunt, what are you talking about! My master is an official of the former court. The affairs of the harem are under the control of the mistress and the queen."

When Aunt Xue saw this, her face turned ugly. She had originally thought that Xifeng would consider family ties and help, but she didn't expect her to refuse so firmly.

"Feng girl, you don't want to help with this?" Aunt Xue's voice was a little unhappy.

Xifeng quickly explained, "Aunt, it's not that I don't want to help, it's simply that this matter is beyond my ability. Besides, entering the palace is a matter of great importance; I can't act recklessly."

At this moment, Xue Baochai, who had remained silent until then, finally broke the silence. She said softly, "Mother, my cousin is absolutely right. Entering the palace is indeed not something that can be forced. I firmly believe that with my own talent and hard work, I can also achieve great things."

After hearing this, Wang Xifeng couldn't help but secretly praise Xue Baochai's resilience. She smiled and replied, "I'm relieved that you can see this matter this way, cousin. If you need any help in the future, please feel free to come to me."

The small disturbance died down, and everyone changed the subject and continued chatting. However, Wang Xifeng was lost in thought. She realized that Xue Baochai was not as innocent as she seemed, and she had to be more careful in the future.

Wang Xifeng's lips curled up slightly, but deep down she didn't agree. She knew the brutality of the struggles within the palace, and even if Xue Baochai were lucky enough to be selected, she wouldn't necessarily find true happiness. But she naturally wouldn't say these words in public.

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