Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

Aunt Xue was moved after hearing this. She was about to say something when Baochai tugged at her sleeve from behind, forcing her to shyly call out "Mom." Aunt Xue looked at Madam Wang and sighed inwardly. She remembered her daughter's instructions to her, so she said to Madam Wang, "Sister, you know I'm very satisfied with Baoyu, but where are the rules? It's true that Pan'er, as the brother, hasn't married yet, but he's already promised his sister away. If this gets out, people will think I'm favoring boys over girls and selling my daughter to marry my son! If this gets to the ears of the elders of the Xue family in Jinling, how can this be tolerated?"

When Mrs. Wang heard what Aunt Xue said, her face turned a little ugly, but she still endured it and nodded to show her understanding.

Aunt Xue continued, "If Sister really wants to marry Baochai, after we move back, our two families will have time to prepare the three letters and six ceremonies. This way, both of our families will look good. It will also let the whole capital know that our Second Master Bao, the younger brother of Consort Xian De, is getting married. We can hold a banquet for a few days to make it lively. Sister, don't you agree?"

Mrs. Wang gritted her teeth, wondering how this foolish woman could finally come to her senses. But she still managed a smile and said, "Sister, you're absolutely right. It was all my fault for not thinking things through. When you get home, we'll discuss this slowly."

Aunt Xue smiled, a hint of pride in her eyes. She knew that although Mrs. Wang had agreed readily on the surface, she would not give up easily. However, she believed that her daughter, Xue Baochai, would handle this matter well. After all, her daughter was so smart and capable.

Mrs. Wang was secretly thinking about what to do next. She decided to calm Aunt Xue down first, and then find a chance to discuss the matter with her. No matter what, she was determined to let Jia Baoyu marry Xue Baochai.

Of course, Mrs. Wang didn't want the Xue family to leave. Their family was in financial difficulty and needed their support. But she couldn't directly refute Aunt Xue's words. After all, everything she said made sense. She had no choice but to nod and agree. In her heart, she was thinking about how to keep the Xue family and get some benefits. Until the Xue family moved out of the Jia Mansion, Mrs. Wang hadn't figured out how to make the Xue family continue to pay her money willingly.

That day, Mrs. Wang was in her room worrying about the food for the Empress in the palace when Xiren ran in panting.

He said, "Madam, something terrible has happened. Master Bao has been beaten."

Mrs. Wang asked anxiously, "What's going on?" and stood up in a hurry to go out.

It turned out that Jia Baoyu and Qi Guan, the favorite actor of King Zhongshun, hit it off at a banquet. They developed a liking for each other and gave each other gifts. Qi Guan gave Jia Baoyu the big red scarlet scarlet handkerchief presented by the Kingdom of Scarlet Silk Women, and Jia Baoyu gave Qi Guan his fan pendant. After a few visits, the two became close friends who could talk about anything.

One day, Jia Baoyu was in the middle of a passionate affair with You Lingqi, a woman from Prince Zhongshun's mansion, when someone suddenly broke in and caught them in bed! Prince Zhongshun was furious. He roared, "How dare you two do such a thing behind my back!" He then ordered his men to give Baoyu a beating. Poor Baoyu couldn't handle such a beating! He fainted from fear.

When the servants of the Jia family hurriedly carried him back to the Rongguo Mansion and asked the imperial physician to see him, Xiren, who was in Jia Baoyu's room, saw how horribly beaten Jia Baoyu was and burst into tears. She cried and said, "Baoyu, why are you so stupid? Why did you stay with that Qi Guan'er? Now that Prince Zhongshun has caught you, who knows what the consequences will be..."

Mrs. Wang rushed to Baoyu's room and saw Baoyu covered in wounds. She was so distressed that tears fell. She caressed Baoyu's wounds and asked angrily, "Who did this?"

Baoyu remained silent, his eyes filled with grievance and helplessness. Seeing him like this, Mrs. Wang became even more anxious. She decided to go to Lady Jia immediately to discuss countermeasures.

When Grandmother Jia learned of this, she was also shocked. She knew that Prince Zhongshun was not to be trifled with, and if she handled it improperly, it would bring trouble to the Jia family. But she couldn't let Baoyu suffer this injustice in vain, so she had to find a way to deal with it.

So, Grandmother Jia quickly sent for Jia Zhen, Jia Zheng and other men from the clan to come over and discuss how to resolve the matter. Everyone agreed that the most urgent task was to find out the truth of the matter and see if there was any evidence to prove the relationship between Baoyu and Qi Guan.

Meanwhile, Xiren quietly came to Daiyu's room and asked her to help think of a way to save Baoyu. Daiyu was extremely anxious and wanted to go see Baoyu immediately.

Seeing Daiyu's concern for Baoyu, Xiren felt a little relieved. However, when she thought of Baoyu's current condition, she couldn't help but burst into tears. She said, "Miss, please go and see the Second Master! He's been beaten so badly... I really can't bear to see it!"