Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

After dinner, Xiren saw that the nurse and the other maids had left. She tiptoed over like a nimble cat, took out her undergarments from the box, and then, with delicate steps, walked over to Baoyu and whispered softly, "Baoyu, take off those dirty clothes quickly. I'll change you into brand new ones." After saying this, she couldn't help but laugh foolishly. Baoyu's face instantly turned red like a ripe apple, reaching all the way to his ears. While changing his clothes, he pleaded softly, "My dear sister, my dear Xiren, please don't tell anyone about this." Xiren didn't respond directly, but only smiled shyly and asked, "What on earth did you dream about? Why did you say such dirty things?"

Baoyu had always believed in Xiren, so he told her everything he had experienced in his dream. When he told her about the fairy Jinghuan teaching him how to make love, Xiren blushed and covered her face with her hands, then lay on the bed and laughed so hard that she shook with laughter.

Baoyu had always thought Xiren was "soft, charming, and charming," and that she was a delight to behold. Now that they shared a secret, Baoyu wanted to be closer to her even more. He held Xiren tightly, wanting to try sex. Xiren had been raised by Jia's grandmother since childhood and then sent to Baoyu's service. She knew she was already Baoyu's lover, so she wasn't particularly opposed to his actions. Furthermore, under these circumstances, she didn't think sharing a bed with Baoyu would violate ethical norms. So, Xiren reluctantly and secretly tried sex with Baoyu. From then on, Baoyu valued Xiren even more, and Xiren, in turn, devoted herself wholeheartedly to Baoyu.

Meanwhile, in Jia's courtyard, she sat on a chair, gently stroking her forehead with her hand, her brow furrowed and her face showing pain. Seeing this, Amber hurried forward and gently rubbed Jia's temples, trying to relieve her headache.

Madame Wang cried and murmured to herself, "My poor son, Prince Zhongshun actually treated the noble concubine's brother so harshly."

Jia Zheng had just returned to his residence and was still unaware of Baoyu's beating. Suddenly, someone came to report, "Someone has come from Prince Zhongshun's mansion and wants to see the master." Jia Zheng was puzzled when he heard this and wondered, "We don't usually have any dealings with Prince Zhongshun's mansion, so why would they send someone today?" As he pondered this, he ordered, "Hurry up and invite him in!" He then hurried out to greet him, only to find that the visitor was none other than the Chief Clerk of Zhongshun's mansion. Jia Zheng hurriedly welcomed him into the hall, asked him to sit down, and offered him tea. Just as Jia Zheng was about to exchange a few pleasantries, the Chief Clerk spoke first, "I'm here on the orders of the king, and I have a matter for your Excellency to address. For the sake of your Excellency's honor, I hope you can help resolve this issue. Not only will your Excellency be grateful to you, but I, too, will be deeply grateful."

Upon hearing this, Jia Zheng was bewildered and completely puzzled. He quickly stood up, smiling, and asked respectfully, "Since Your Excellency has come here on the king's orders, I wonder what your instructions are? I hope you can make them clear so that I can follow your instructions."

The chief official sneered and said in a cold tone, "You don't need to take charge of anything. Just say the word, my Lord. We have a young female role player named Qi in our mansion. She has always been well behaved. But recently, I heard that she has been in close contact with the young master of your mansion who was born with Baoyu in his mouth. They have a very good relationship. And now, the two of them have been caught in bed together."

Upon hearing this, Jia Zheng's face fell drastically. He had never expected Baoyu to do such a thing. Trembling with anger, he pointed at the Chief Clerk and said, "This is absurd! I will definitely discipline my son." Seeing this, the Chief Clerk's lips curled slightly, thinking that he could now return to report. He stood up, bowed, and said, "Then I'll trouble you, Master Jia. I'll take my leave." With that, he turned and left. Jia Zheng watched the Chief Clerk's departing back, thinking to himself that Baoyu had truly gotten into great trouble this time. He decided to find Jia Baoyu and interrogate him strictly. At the same time, he would also warn the others in the mansion not to have any further involvement with the Zhongshun Prince's Mansion.

Jia Zheng came to Jia Baoyu's room in anger and saw Jia Baoyu lying on the bed with red eyes and a dazed state, obviously he had just cried. Seeing this, Jia Zheng was even more furious. Without saying a word, he raised his hand and slapped Baoyu hard, making Baoyu see stars.

Baoyu was awakened suddenly by the beating. Seeing his father's angry face, he was filled with fear and confusion.

"Rebellious son! What a deed you've done!" Jia Zheng shouted angrily. "How dare you have an affair with the opera singer from Prince Zhongshun's palace!"

Baoyu was stunned when he heard this, and was full of surprise. He had no idea how Jia Zheng knew about this.

Jia Baoyu quickly defended himself, "I didn't... Father, what's the reason for this? Qi Guan is willing to play with me. He hates being in Prince Zhongshun's mansion."

After hearing this, Jia Zheng became even more furious. He stood up suddenly, pointed at Jia Baoyu and cursed: "Well, you rebellious son, you still dare to quibble? The chief official has come to your door, is it possible that you are lying? Get out of here right now, so I can teach you a lesson!" As he said that, Jia Zheng strode towards Jia Baoyu.

Seeing his father so angry, Jia Baoyu didn't dare to argue anymore. He could only climb down from the bed tremblingly and prepare to face the next punishment.

Jia Zheng was so angry that he was shaking all over. He kept cursing as he walked, "Come here! Bring some big sticks! Tie up Baoyu with ropes! Close all the doors! If anyone dares to spread any news in, they will be beaten to death immediately! Block his mouth and beat him hard!"

The servants were terrified, but they dared not disobey the master's order, so they hurriedly pinned Jia Baoyu down on the bench, then raised the big board and beat him hard. Jia Baoyu grimaced in pain, but dared not make a sound, just silently enduring the beating.