Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

Mrs. Wang and the others worked tirelessly, completing all the preparations by the end of October with a sense of relief. Accounts were settled by all supervisors, and antiques and collectibles were displayed in every area, like a dazzling array of precious treasures. The bird buyers, like diligent gardeners, meticulously selected cranes, peacocks, deer, rabbits, chickens, geese, and other species, and cared for them throughout the garden like precious treasures. Jia Qiang, on his side, displayed his talents like the Eight Immortals, staging twenty dazzling variety shows. The young nuns and Taoist priests also learned to recite several scrolls of Buddhist scriptures like sponges. Satisfied, Jia Zheng invited Lady Jia and the others into the garden, meticulously examining every detail as if it were a rare treasure, ensuring nothing was overlooked or inappropriate.

Surrounded by Jia Zheng, Jia Lian, Jia Zhen, and other descendants, Grandmother Jia happily toured the garden. They admired the garden's beauty while listening to Jia Zheng explain the design and meaning of each feature. Grandmother Jia frequently nodded in approval or offered subtle suggestions for refinement, demonstrating her unique understanding of gardening.

Mrs. Wang carefully accompanied her, always paying attention to Lady Jia's expression, fearing that she would not be pleased with her in any way. She constantly reminded the maids around her to pay attention to details and ensure that everything was arranged properly.

They arrived at a pond, where they saw lotus leaves and flowers in full bloom, and colorful fish frolicking in the water. The scene was delightful. Grandmother Jia couldn't help but exclaim, "This pond is well built, but the water is a little murky." Jia Zheng quickly ordered someone to clean the water to ensure its clarity. Afterward, they visited other attractions, and Grandmother Jia was quite pleased with the layout and decoration of the entire garden.

After the tour, Jia's mother said to Jia Zheng, "You have put a lot of thought into this. I am very satisfied. But this garden is so beautiful. It must be well maintained and cared for in the future." Jia Zheng replied respectfully, "Don't worry, mother. I will do my best." Jia's mother smiled and nodded, then left the garden with the help of everyone.

Jia Zheng nodded in agreement and promised to do his best to ensure that everything went smoothly. Thus, the grand event finally came to a successful conclusion, and everyone was very satisfied and happy.

Since receiving the imperial decree, the Jia family has been toiling day and night, tidying up the courtyard, not even getting a good rest during the Spring Festival. When Wang Xifeng learned that Jia Yuanchun was returning home to visit her family, she couldn't help but sigh deeply. The Jia family was now prosperous and flourishing, but as history has always said, prosperity must inevitably decline, and the Jia family's decline seemed inevitable.

Wang Xifeng was filled with curiosity. She wanted to know where the Jia family had come from to build this villa. In her previous life, this money had been raised from the huge inheritance left by Lin Ruhai to Lin Daiyu. But now that she had been reborn, Lin Ruhai was still alive. How did the Jia family find this huge sum of money? After all, given the Jia family's current financial situation, it was impossible for them to have such a huge amount of savings.

Wang Xifeng felt it necessary to go to Lin Ruhai to test the waters, because she knew very well that Mrs. Wang would do anything for money.

That day, Lin Ruhai had just returned home from outside when Wang Xifeng couldn't wait to pull him in. Then, pretending to be nonchalant, she asked, "The Jia family spent a lot of money on this visit, but we know a little about their family situation. So where did all this money come from?"

Lin Ruhai sighed deeply and said slowly, "Indeed, the Jia family has given their all to welcome Concubine Xian De back home for a visit. I originally wanted to give them a glimmer of hope for Daiyu's sake, but I didn't expect them to be so reckless."

Wang Xifeng was shocked upon hearing this and quickly demanded, "What on earth has happened to them?" Lin Ruhai glanced around and lowered his voice, "The Zhen family has committed a crime. Their property has been confiscated and they have been transferred to the capital to stand trial. However, Madam Wang showed no scruples and unhesitatingly accepted all the benefits offered by the Zhen family through their maids."

Wang Xifeng widened her eyes. She never expected that Mrs. Wang would be so bold.

"My aunt is becoming more and more outrageous!" Wang Xifeng said indignantly, "By accepting money from the Zhen family, the Jia family will be linked to them. If they are implicated, the Jia family will be finished! The Zhen family is now ruined, which shows that Your Majesty is determined to deal with these disrespectful officials."

I am happy that the prosperity is just right, but I hate the impermanence again.

Watch helplessly as everything is thrown away.

Swinging leisurely, consuming the fragrant soul.

Looking at my hometown, the road is far away and the mountains are high.

So I came to my parents in my dream to tell them: My son has passed away.

Tianlun, you must step back and withdraw early!

The day when the imperial concubine came to visit her parents was the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. Preparations had already begun on the eighth day. The eunuchs in the palace first looked for directions, such as where to change clothes, where to rest, where to meet, where to eat, etc.

There were also eunuchs in charge of security, who determined the routes, where to set up curtains, where to block roads, and instructed the people in the Jia Mansion on where to enter and exit, and what etiquette to use.

Jia She and his colleagues were in charge of the fireworks and lights, and they were busy until the fourteenth day of the first lunar month, with no one in the mansion sleeping. They meticulously arranged every detail, striving to fill the entire mansion with a festive atmosphere.

On the fifteenth day, Jia Mu and the other officials with imperial decrees dressed according to their rank, and the garden was decorated. The dazzling display of jewels and colorful ornaments was a feast for the eyes. Despite the large crowd, the entire place was serene, without a trace of noise.

Jia She waited anxiously on West Street, while Jia Mu waited quietly at the gate of Rongguo Mansion. The streets were tightly blocked by curtains, like a mysterious barrier. As everyone grew impatient, a eunuch finally arrived. Jia Zheng respectfully asked, "Excuse me, eunuch, when will the imperial concubine's carriage arrive?" The eunuch replied calmly, "It's still early. After dinner, the imperial concubine must go to Baoling Palace to pay her respects to the Buddha. Then, she must receive the emperor's order to leave the palace. She will leave around 7 p.m." In other words, the imperial concubine's carriage wouldn't arrive until around 7 p.m.

After hearing this, everyone looked up at the sky. It was a clear blue and the sun was shining brightly, but it was indeed still early. Jia Mu looked at everyone and said gently, "It's still early. Let's go back and rest! We have a hard time tonight." Her voice was calm and kind, which made people feel at ease. So, everyone dispersed, and only Li Wan and other younger people stayed to take care of the place. The eunuchs who came to report were also arranged to enjoy fine wine and delicious food in the garden and enjoy a moment of leisure. As the sun gradually set, the lights in the garden gradually lit up, illuminating the entire garden and creating a warm atmosphere.

At that moment, a sudden rush of footsteps was heard. It was a group of eunuchs hurrying in. They panted and clapped their hands, and one of the leading eunuchs shouted, "The Empress's carriage has left the palace! Come out to greet her! Everyone, please stand in your respective directions and positions. Don't make any mistakes!" Upon hearing this, Jia She hurriedly led the Jia family's young men to West Street, where they stood in neat rows and waited. Jia Mu, along with the rest of the female family, waited at the main gate. Everyone looked solemn, anticipating the Empress's arrival. For a moment, the atmosphere in the garden was tense and solemn, as everyone waited in silence.

Soon, the sound of horse hooves could be heard in the distance. First, two eunuchs on horseback galloped in, followed by two more, making a total of eight pairs of eunuchs. Then, drums and music began to play, and a procession of dragon and phoenix banners fluttered in the wind, creating a spectacular spectacle. Following them, more eunuchs carried incense burners, burning imperial incense, filling the air with fragrance. This procession slowly passed, with eight eunuchs at the rear. The entire scene was solemn and awe-inspiring.

Amidst the bustle, Yuanchun slowly arrived in a sedan chair. Jia Mu, Lady Wang, Lady Xing, and other family members knelt to greet her. Seeing them from afar in her sedan, Yuanchun felt a surge of warmth, her eyes welling up, and she hurriedly ordered the sedan to stop. Leaning forward, she eagerly said, "Old lady, please get up quickly." Her voice choked with emotion, brimming with longing for her family.

Grandmother Jia was so moved that tears welled up in her eyes, and she trembled as she responded, "Long live the Queen!"

The others followed suit and shouted in unison: "Long live the Queen!"

Yuanchun smiled and nodded, signaling everyone to stand. Then, surrounded by her maids, she gracefully entered the Jia residence. The residence was decorated with lanterns and filled with a festive atmosphere, and everyone warmly welcomed Yuanchun's return.

A eunuch approached and gently helped Grandmother Jia to her feet. Yuanchun changed her clothes at the designated location, as arranged. The eunuch then withdrew. Zhaorong and Caipin respectfully led Yuanchun into the garden. Upon landing, Yuanfei spotted inscriptions along the path and learned they were written by Baoyu. Jia Yuanchun had lived with Grandmother Jia since childhood. When Baoyu was born, Jia Yuanchun, already older, raised him as her own child. Their bond was deep and intimate, like that of a mother and son.

So when Princess Yuan saw the tentative title for Baoyu, she was very pleased.

Yuanchun walked into the garden, admiring the beautiful scenery, and her mood gradually calmed down. She strolled around, stopping from time to time to savor Baoyu's talent.

As she walked, Yuanchun came to a rockery. At the foot of the hill stood a small door with the Chinese characters "Daoxiang Village" engraved on it. She pushed the door open and found herself in a tranquil bamboo forest. The swaying shadows of the bamboos exuded a sense of tranquility and far-reaching tranquility.

Deep in the bamboo forest, there was an elegant little house. Yuanchun strolled in. The interior was simple and elegant, with a few calligraphy and paintings hanging on the walls and the four treasures of the study placed on the desk. Yuanchun couldn't help but recall the time when she and Baoyu had composed poetry and painted here, and her heart was filled with emotion.